News Summary
Asheville is currently experiencing road closures stemming from emergency repairs and severe flooding. Key areas such as North Market Street are closed for infrastructure upgrades, and significant traffic disruptions on Interstate 40 West are expected due to ongoing rehabilitation work. Additionally, multiple east-west roads in western North Carolina are closed due to flooding, further complicating travel. The city is working collaboratively with various agencies to restore affected routes as quickly as possible.
Asheville is facing several road closures due to emergency repairs and flooding events that are affecting residents and travelers in the area. The city has issued an emergency closure for North Market Street around East Walnut Street in the North District, beginning at 7 a.m. on Saturday and expected to conclude around 5 p.m. This closure is necessary for workers to fix a water valve and replace a hydrant as part of an upgrade to the City of Asheville Water System’s infrastructure.
In addition to local closures, a significant traffic disruption is anticipated along Interstate 40 West beginning Tuesday, May 9 at 8 p.m. This closure will extend from the Hendersonville Road exit (exit 50) to Interstate 26, with plans to reopen by 6 a.m. on May 12. The closure is part of a ongoing $27.9 million interstate rehabilitation project, which includes work on bridges managed by DBA Harrison Construction Company.
Detours will be implemented for this construction period. Motorists will be redirected to I-240 West starting at Exit 53B, with digital signs installed to help guide traffic. The Brevard Road on-ramp to I-40 West will also be closed, necessitating the detour. This substantial rehabilitation work involves resurfacing roads, applying bridge overlays, and repairing damaged concrete on bridge substructures.
Adding to the transportation challenges, flooding has led to multiple road closures across western North Carolina. The Transportation Injury Mapping System (TIMS) has advised that all east-west roads in the region are closed due to flooding. Motorists are cautioned to avoid driving in these areas, refrain from traversing standing water, and adhere to barricades and road closure signs.
Specifically, I-26 is shut down south of Asheville between Exits 49 (US 64) and Exit 53 (Upward Road), with an expected reopening time of 5:00 PM on September 28, 2024. Furthermore, I-40 has several closures resulting from flooding and mudslides, including areas one mile west of Exit 64 (NC 9) near Black Mountain, between Exit 66 (Ridgecrest) and Exit 72 (Old Fort), at the Tennessee State line, and various other exits within the Asheville region.
One notably affected area, Swannanoa River Road, has been closed for an extended period following Hurricane Helene’s destructive impact. This road is set to reopen on April 4, 2025, after six months of repairs aimed at restoring a vital connection between Biltmore Avenue and Bleachery Boulevard. The damages sustained included extensive debris and water submerging structures, marking Swannanoa River Road as one of the worst-hit locations.
Repair efforts involve collaboration among multiple groups, including the City of Asheville, the Army Corps of Engineers, Buncombe County, and utility contractors. The extensive restoration project covers nearly three miles from Biltmore Avenue to Tunnel Road, with the section from Fairview Road to Tunnel Road already reopened in January. Following the reopening of Swannanoa River Road, traffic is expected to surge, with motorists urged to maintain safe distances on the road.
Upgraded infrastructure will include a new road base, shoulders, guardrails, lane markings, and a signal system as part of the remediation efforts. Drivers in the area are encouraged to stay informed about ongoing construction and repair activities, remaining vigilant for potential changes to road conditions as crews work towards restoring normalcy on impacted routes.
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Additional Resources
- WYFF4: Emergency Road Closure in Downtown Asheville
- WLOS: Final Closure of I-40 West for Mother’s Day Weekend
- Fox Carolina: Roads Closed in Western North Carolina
- WLOS: Swannanoa River Road Reopening After Hurricane Damage
- Google Search: Asheville Road Closures
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.
