Asheville, October 27, 2025
News Summary
The Interstate 26 Connector project has officially begun in Asheville, with over $2 billion in funding allocated by NCDOT. This initiative aims to improve traffic flow and enhance travel reliability in Western North Carolina, with construction on several segments already underway. The community has actively engaged in the planning process, leading to cost reductions and strategic designs to benefit residents. Completion is targeted for October 2031, promising a transformative impact on the region’s transportation infrastructure.
Asheville is witnessing the long-awaited start of the Interstate 26 Connector project, a significant infrastructure investment that will reshape traffic flow in the region. The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) has announced a complex web of projects valued at over $2 billion, marking one of the largest undertakings in the state’s history. The ambitious project aims to improve reliable travel throughout Western North Carolina and alleviate local congestion.
NCDOT Division 13 Construction Engineer Nathan Moneyham provided an overview of the project, which includes four separate segments currently in various phases of development. The first active segments, labeled AA and AB, are already under construction. These segments involve concrete pavement replacement and the construction of a new ramp for Smokey Park Highway. Once completed, Smokey Park Highway will feature newly constructed A and B exits to enhance traffic flow.
The largest components of the Connector, Sections B and D, are presently in the design phase. Construction on these segments is expected to begin next summer, with an estimated budget of $1.1 billion. Section B will develop a new interstate connecting the Haywood Road interchange over the French Broad River, while Section D focuses on enhancing Riverside Drive between Hill and Broadway streets. These sections are being developed concurrently as part of the project’s “north section.”
The next phase, known as AC, involves widening I-240 from Haywood Road to Bear Creek and reconstructing the Brevard and Amboy road interchanges. Currently, the AC section is in the design phase, with right-of-way acquisition in progress and utility relocations expected to occur shortly. Conversely, Section C remains unfunded, addressing further modifications at the I-26 and I-40 interchange and parts of Smokey Park Highway. NCDOT is actively pursuing funding for Section C, which previously failed to secure financial backing.
Community engagement is a critical aspect of the I-26 Connector project, with public input integrated into various stages of planning. The design optimizations resulting from these contributions have led to a cost reduction of $124 million. All current contracts have secured funding, with the total project cost exceeding twice that of the next largest contract in North Carolina history, emphasizing its scale and significance.
The project will also require environmental reviews for major modifications in collaboration with the Federal Highway Administration, ensuring all federal compliance standards are met. The completion date for the I-26 Connector project is set for October 2031, with contractor Archer Wright Joint Venture charged with meeting this timeline.
The primary objectives of the Connector project include enhancing travel reliability across Western North Carolina and decreasing local traffic congestion. Additionally, the project aims to improve greenways and facilitate new development opportunities. Various design features, such as bridge grades and roundabouts, have been incorporated to benefit both the city of Asheville and its surrounding communities.
The Interstate 26 Connector project has been a topic of discussion since 1989, with numerous ideas evaluated for inclusion in the final plans. As the construction progresses, Asheville residents can expect an improved transportation network that supports both current and future growth.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the funding amount for the I-26 Connector project?
The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) has outlined a complex web of projects valued at over $2 billion.
What is the expected completion date for the project?
The project completion is targeted for October 2031.
Who is the contractor for the I-26 Connector project?
The contractor Archer Wright Joint Venture is under contract to meet the project deadline.
What are the primary goals of the Connector project?
The primary goals of the Connector project include enhancing reliable travel throughout Western North Carolina and reducing local congestion, while also improving greenways and facilitating new development opportunities.
What sections are currently under construction?
Current active segments labeled AA and AB are under construction, with concrete pavement replacement and a new ramp for Smokey Park Highway.
Key Features of the I-26 Connector Project
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Investment | Over $2 Billion |
| Administering Agency | North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) |
| Expected Completion Date | October 2031 |
| Current Segments Under Construction | AA and AB |
| Sections in Design Phase | B, D, AC |
| Funding Status | All active contracts secured; Section C unfunded |
| Contractor | Archer Wright Joint Venture |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Asheville Establishes Business Improvement District for Downtown
John Maddux Appointed as Charlottesville’s New City Attorney
Interstate 40 West Closure Planned in Asheville
NCDOT Opens New Lanes on I-26 in Asheville
I-40 West Closure for Bridge Rehabilitation in Asheville
Traffic Disruptions Due to Sewer Work in Freehold Borough
West Asheville Prepares for I-26 Connector Overpass Meeting
Asheville Approves New Downtown Business Improvement District
Asheville City Council Debates Community Care vs. Policing
Additional Resources
- 828 News Now: I-26 Connector Project Overview
- Mountain X: Opposition to I-26 Connector Overpass
- WLOS: Eight Lane Flyover Included in I-26 Project
- 828 News Now: Residents Question I-26 Connector Changes
- Wikipedia: Interstate 26
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.
