Overnight closures are now in effect for Interstate 26 in Buncombe County, North Carolina. These diversions are necessary as crews begin the process of removing sections of the old Blue Ridge Parkway bridge that span directly over the interstate. The work marks a significant step in the ongoing I-26 widening project.
Key Takeaways
- I-26 in Buncombe County will experience overnight closures.
- Crews are removing the old Blue Ridge Parkway bridge.
- Closures run Sunday through Thursday nights, 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.
- Detour routes are established for both eastbound and westbound I-26 traffic.
- The new Blue Ridge Parkway bridge opened recently, allowing this demolition to proceed.
Overnight Work Schedule and Duration
The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) confirmed that the closures will take place nightly, from Sunday through Thursday. Each closure period will run from 8 p.m. until 6 a.m. the following morning. This schedule is designed to minimize disruption during peak daytime travel hours.
Officials have stated that the exact number of nights required for the demolition will depend on how quickly the operation progresses. While the initial phase is expected to last through the current week, a second week of work may begin on Sunday night, October 26. Fluor-United, the primary contractor, along with its subcontractors, will determine if fewer or additional nights are needed as the project unfolds.
Important Fact
The new Blue Ridge Parkway bridge is a $14.5 million structure. It took approximately five years to plan and construct, spanning about two football fields in length and rising 90 feet above I-26.
Detailed Detour Information for Drivers
Drivers traveling through Buncombe County need to be aware of specific detour routes for both directions of I-26. These routes are clearly marked with additional signage to guide unfamiliar motorists.
Westbound I-26 Detours
- Sunday night through Wednesday night: Traffic on I-26 West will be diverted at Airport Road (Exit 40). Drivers will then travel north on Hendersonville Road (U.S. 25) to I-40. If necessary, traffic may further divert to N.C. 191 and I-240 East.
- Thursday night: Westbound I-26 traffic will be diverted at U.S. 25 (Exit 44).
Eastbound I-26 Detours
Traffic on I-26 East will be diverted at Brevard Road (Exit 33). Motorists will then proceed west on Long Shoals Road (N.C. 146) before rejoining I-26 East. The NCDOT plans to adjust traffic signals along these detour routes, programming them with longer green lights to help manage traffic flow more efficiently.
"Without us putting traffic on the new bridge, we can't tear down the old bridge. And without tearing down the old bridge, we can't construct I-26 down below," an engineer involved in the project explained, highlighting the critical sequence of operations.
The New Bridge and Future Interstate Widening
Project Background
The removal of the old bridge is a crucial step for the larger I-26 widening project. The existing bridge supports were positioned in the middle of the interstate, obstructing the path for the planned expansion. This section between Exit 33 and Exit 37 is one of the last remaining stretches of I-26 in the area that is not yet four lanes in each direction.
The new Blue Ridge Parkway bridge, which recently opened to traffic, was a prerequisite for beginning the demolition of its predecessor. This modern structure is made of high-strength concrete, designed for increased longevity and easier maintenance. Its components were manufactured in Wilmington and then assembled on-site, a process involving 76 individual pieces that were post-tensioned once in place.
Engineers estimate that the demolition of the old bridge will take approximately four to six weeks. Crews will meticulously cut the old bridge into smaller sections and remove them piece by piece, starting with the deck. This methodical approach ensures safety and precision during the removal process.
Anticipated Benefits for I-26 Traffic
Once the old bridge is fully removed and the I-26 widening project progresses, significant improvements are expected for local commuters and travelers. The expansion aims to create an eight-lane interstate, promising a much more free-flowing traffic experience.
According to project engineers, all eight lanes of the widened I-26 could be open within the next six months to a year. This completion will greatly enhance regional mobility and reduce congestion in this vital corridor of Western North Carolina. The community widely anticipates these improvements, expecting smoother and faster journeys for thousands of daily drivers.
