Asheville, NC, October 20, 2025
News Summary
The North Carolina Department of Transportation will undertake the removal of the old Blue Ridge Parkway bridge as part of the I-26 widening project in Asheville. Starting from October 19, overnight closures on I-26 will reroute traffic, with specific directions for both eastbound and westbound motorists. NCDOT will adjust traffic signals and add signage to ease the detour process. The construction spans 16.9 miles and has been ongoing since 2019, with potential delays expected due to autumn traffic and weather conditions.
Asheville, NC: I-26 Overnight Closures Scheduled for Blue Ridge Parkway Bridge Removal
The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) will initiate the removal of the old Blue Ridge Parkway bridge as part of the ongoing I-26 widening project in Asheville, NC. Overnight closures impacting both westbound and eastbound traffic on I-26 are set to begin on Sunday, October 19, and will continue through the end of the month.
Eastbound traffic on I-26 will be rerouted to Exit 33, while westbound traffic will be redirected to Exit 40. On Thursdays, westbound traffic will instead be directed to Exit 44. These closures will occur nightly from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. starting October 19 until October 23, with a scheduled pause over the weekend before resuming from Sunday, October 26, through Thursday, October 30.
To improve traffic flow during these detours, NCDOT plans to adjust traffic signals along the detour routes to provide longer green lights. Additional signage will also be installed to guide drivers effectively through the rerouted areas.
This section of I-26 undergoing construction spans 16.9 miles from U.S. 64 in Hendersonville to the I-40/I-240 interchange in Asheville. Work on this segment began in October 2019, with some lanes in Buncombe County having opened last April. The new Blue Ridge Parkway bridge will remain operational throughout the deconstruction process, minimizing disruptions for travelers.
Drivers are advised to prepare for potential delays related to construction activities and increased autumn traffic. Weather conditions could also affect the schedule of the nightly closures. Similar closures in Henderson County have occurred as part of the overall I-26 expansion project, underscoring the scale of the improvements being made.
In summary:
– NCDOT is removing the old Blue Ridge Parkway bridge as part of the I-26 widening project.
– Overnight closures will occur beginning October 19 until October 30, with specific exits for detours.
– Traffic signals will be adjusted and additional signage will be installed to assist drivers.
– The project has been ongoing since October 2019, with some progress already visible.
– Drivers should expect delays and possible schedule changes due to weather.
FAQ Section
What is the purpose of the I-26 overnight closures in Asheville, NC?
The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) is initiating the removal of the old Blue Ridge Parkway bridge as part of the I-26 widening project.
When will the overnight closures begin and how long will they last?
Overnight closures will commence on Sunday, October 19, and will occur daily from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. until Thursday, October 23, then pause over the weekend before resuming from Sunday, October 26, through Thursday, October 30.
How will traffic be rerouted during the closures?
Eastbound traffic will be rerouted to Exit 33, while westbound traffic will be rerouted to Exit 40. On Thursdays, westbound traffic will be directed to Exit 44.
What measures are being taken to assist drivers during the detour?
NCDOT plans to adjust traffic signals along detour routes to provide longer green lights for improved traffic flow and will install additional signage to assist drivers during the detour process.
What is the impact of the construction on the overall I-26 project?
The section of I-26 undergoing construction spans 16.9 miles from U.S. 64 in Hendersonville to the I-40/I-240 interchange in Asheville, and the roadwork has been ongoing since October 2019.
Will drivers experience delays during this time?
Yes, drivers may experience delays linked to construction or autumn traffic, and weather conditions might also influence the schedule of nightly closures.
Key Features of I-26 Project Closures
| Closure Type | Start Date | End Date | Rerouted Traffic Directions | Closure Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overnight Closures | October 19 | October 23 & October 26-30 | East: Exit 33, West: Exit 40 (Thursdays: Exit 44) | 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. |
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Additional Resources
- WLOS: Asheville, NC – I-26 Overnight Closures
- Blue Ridge Now: I-26 Shutdowns Info
- WLOS: NCDOT I-26 Overnight Closures
- 828 News Now: Nighttime I-26 Closures
- Wikipedia: North Carolina Department of Transportation
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.
