Last summer, we published a blog post reporting that the road-widening project on I-26 would be complete on May 2024. The projected end date is now early 2025.
Progress may feel slow for Asheville residents since the project began in 2018. Fortunately, though, progress is happening!
“The Buncombe County section is 57% complete, and the Henderson County section is 60% complete,” said David Uchiyama, North Carolina Department of Transportation communications officer for districts 13 and 14, in an article by Jonah Levy for The Blue Banner.
The final result will be a hybrid widening of the interstate to hold between six and eight lanes. In addition, the project will widen the bridge over the French Broad River, and it will rebuild Blue Ridge Parkway overpass. These changes will significantly improve the once crowded and dilapidated interstate.
Some Tips for Driving on I-26
Take extra care when driving in any construction area. Here are some tips for driving on I-26 during this time:
- Before you go, check for traffic information on the DriveNC government website. This site offers traffic, construction, incidents, and snow and ice information. Also, the NC Dot publishes alerts about I-26 specifically on Twitter at @NCDOT_I26.
- Remain alert and avoid distractions, which is good advice for any time you’re driving. But it’s imperative with changes to the roads.
- Travel at a safe speed. According to the Transportation Federal Highway Administration, in the areas around I-26, fatalities where speeding is a factor are up 5%.
- Pay attention to and obey all posted signs when driving through the construction zone so that you will know what to expect.
Most of all, be patient! Even though progress feels slow, the end is in sight, especially considering the extended length of this project.
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Image source: WLOS
