Permanent Ramp Closures Mark the Start of I-26 Connector Project in Asheville
The long-awaited I-26 Connector project is now underway in Asheville, leading to the permanent closure of several ramps on Interstate 26. This significant infrastructure development aims to transform the city’s highways and improve traffic conditions.
The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) has announced that starting from the evening of Wednesday, April 16, the Riverside Drive entrance ramp to Interstates 26 and 240 will be closed. Motorists are advised to use Riverside Drive northbound to reach Broadway Street near UNC Asheville for access to I-26 East.
Following this, on Thursday night, April 17, the exit ramp from Interstates 26 and 240 to Hill Street will also be closed. Drivers should use the Broadway Street exit for reaching both Hill Street and Riverside Drive.
Stephanie Johnson, an NCDOT spokesperson, explained the primary objectives of the I-26 Connector project, emphasizing its role in enhancing traffic flow and safety. “As construction gets underway, we know there will be short-term inconveniences for residents and drivers,” Johnson stated. “However, we’re committed to keeping the public informed and minimizing disruptions as much as possible throughout the process.”
Further closures are anticipated in early May, though specific dates and detour routes have yet to be disclosed. Among these, the eastbound Patton Avenue exit ramp to the Westgate Bridge will be shut down.
The I-26 Connector project, in planning since the late 1980s, involves constructing a seven-mile stretch of highway to connect I-26 in southwest Asheville with US 19/23/70 in the northwest part of the city. The project, with an estimated cost of $1.8 billion, is slated for completion by 2031.
Proponents of the project believe it will significantly reduce congestion by separating interstate and local traffic, especially around the Jeff Bowen Bridge. However, not everyone supports the project. Some community members have voiced their opposition, particularly against a flyover above Patton Avenue. This element faced rejection from local architects and planners in earlier stages but was reinstated by NCDOT.
The project will also displace numerous residents and businesses, adding to the controversy surrounding its execution.
