News Summary
The North Carolina Department of Transportation has opened new permanent lanes on I-26, enhancing connectivity and safety as part of a $531 million widening project. The expansion from Long Shoals Road to Glenn Bridge Road, unveiled recently, includes improvements aimed at better accommodating local and through traffic. Further developments, including a new interchange at Exit 35, are planned for completion by 2026, with ongoing community advocacy to address potential impacts.
Asheville, North Carolina – The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) has officially opened new permanent lanes on I-26 as part of a major widening project. The newly added lanes from Long Shoals Road to Glenn Bridge Road were unveiled on April 15, 2025, following an overnight closure for the removal of traffic control devices.
The expanded section of I-26 now features three lanes, providing improved connectivity to additional four lanes beyond Airport Road. This significant achievement is part of a broader $531 million project aimed at enhancing transportation efficiency and safety in the region.
Fluor-United Joint Venture, the contractor responsible for the Buncombe County section of the I-26 project, has been working diligently to complete the improvements. NCDOT resident engineer Luke Middleton expressed satisfaction regarding the opening of the new stretch, highlighting its benefits for local and passing drivers while emphasizing the importance of safe driving practices.
The completion of the southern section allows crews to shift their focus to the northern half of the project, which runs from Long Shoals Road to Brevard Road. One of the key components of the northern section includes a new interchange at Exit 35, which will connect I-26 to Brevard Road and is expected to be completed by late 2026.
Several important tasks still need to be finished in the northern section. These include the completion of new westbound lanes, the finalization of the new Blue Ridge Parkway bridge, and the demolition of the old structure. The entire I-26 widening project, which aims to create a median-divided freeway accessible mainly by interchanges, is projected to be completed by 2026.
A significant development of concern for the community includes the plans for an overpass across Patton Avenue. This proposal has prompted renewed discussions among community advocates who had previously lobbied for the highway to be constructed below Patton Avenue instead. Mixed reactions from community members have surfaced, expressing worries regarding urban aesthetics and pedestrian safety.
In terms of funding, the I-26 widening project has an estimated total cost of $531 million, with $263 million designated for the Buncombe County segment and $271 million for Henderson County. The northern section’s contract, awarded to Archer-Wright Joint Venture in May 2024, represents the largest design-build contract ever awarded by NCDOT. An optimization process during contract bidding resulted in a cost reduction of approximately $124 million.
While the project progresses, advocacy groups are calling for ongoing improvements to mitigate the impact on nearby communities. NCDOT has committed to monitoring the project’s progress closely and ensuring that community concerns are addressed throughout the construction period.
As construction zones remain active until the project’s completion in 2026, local drivers and residents are urged to navigate the area with caution as work continues to enhance this critical transportation corridor.
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Additional Resources
- Construction Equipment Guide
- WLOS Local News
- Blue Ridge Now
- Fox Carolina
- Wikipedia: I-26 in North Carolina
