News Summary
The North Carolina Department of Transportation has announced the final planned closure of Interstate 40 West in Asheville to facilitate bridge rehabilitation work from May 9 to May 12. Affecting traffic between Hendersonville Road exit and Interstate 26, motorists are advised to use I-240 West as a detour. The project aims to improve the safety and durability of the bridge over the French Broad River, with all tasks expected to be completed by spring 2026.
Asheville
The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) has announced a final planned closure of Interstate 40 West in Asheville from May 9 to May 12, 2023. This closure will take effect at 8 p.m. on May 9 and will reopen by 6 a.m. on May 12. The closure will affect traffic between the Hendersonville Road exit (exit 50) and Interstate 26 to facilitate bridge rehabilitation work.
During this operation, crews from DBA Harrison Construction Company will focus on the westbound bridge over the French Broad River. The rehabilitation project aims to improve the safety and durability of the bridge and surrounding infrastructure, which has seen increased traffic demands and wear over the years.
Detour Routes and Traffic Management
To manage traffic during the closure, a detour will be established. Motorists will be directed to use I-240 West, starting at Exit 53B. Digital signs will be placed throughout the area to inform drivers of the detour and recommend they avoid I-40 West during the closure period. Additionally, the Brevard Road on-ramp to I-40 West will be closed to help redirect traffic to the I-240 West route.
Ongoing Work and Project Timeline
This upcoming closure is described as the final scheduled weekend closure associated with the current rehabilitation project. Future tasks will primarily be conducted at night to minimize disruptions to daily traffic. Planned weekend operations include bridge joint repairs on both the French Broad River bridges and other associated maintenance tasks.
The contractor responsible for this project may incur liquidated damages if the interstate remains closed beyond the scheduled reopening time on May 12 at 6 a.m. Crews are expected to work efficiently to complete necessary operations within the stipulated timeframe.
Project Overview and Budget
The overall budget for the bridge rehabilitation project stands at $27.9 million. This funding covers critical elements such as roadway resurfacing and bridge overlays, which are vital in preserving the structural integrity and enhancing the riding surface of the four I-40 bridges over Hominy Creek, in addition to the two bridges over the French Broad River. Significant improvements will also address spalling concrete on bridge substructure components, including piers.
Completion Timeline
The contract for the rehabilitation project outlines that all tasks are to be completed by spring 2026. This extensive timeline allows for comprehensive repairs and enhancements to be made to vital transportation infrastructure in the Asheville area, ensuring that the span can safely support the increasing traffic demands well into the future.
With the planned detours in place and scheduled updates communicated effectively to motorists, local residents and travelers can prepare for the upcoming changes and adjustments required during this final scheduled closure.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- WLOS: NCDOT Final Closure of Section of Interstate 40 West
- Knox News: I-40 Closure Reopening Updates
- WLOS: I-40 West Close for Bridge Repairs
- AccuWeather: I-40 Reopens After Hurricane Helene
- Knox News: I-40 Reopening at the Tennessee-North Carolina Gorge
- Wikipedia: North Carolina
- Google Search: Interstate 40 Asheville
Author: STAFF HERE ASHEVILLE WRITER
The ASHEVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAsheville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Asheville, Buncombe County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Asheville Bread Festival, LEAF Festival, and mountain sports tournaments at Biltmore Estate. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and Explore Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in hospitality and brewing that power the local economy such as the Biltmore Estate and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
