FLETCHER – A new rest area off Interstate 26 at the Buncombe/Henderson County line is set to open on Friday.
The modern facility features high ceilings, fine wood finishes, energy efficient plumbing, lots of natural light, and plenty of space for four-legged family members. It also features plenty of parking for its visitors. The corresponding westbound rest area is set to open in the middle of June.
“NCDOT takes great pride in its rest areas, not only in the mountains, but across the state,” Division 13 Roadside Environmental Engineer Jeff Wait said. “Some of the finest rest areas in the country are located right here in western North Carolina. And depending on who you ask, this may be the best.”
It is certainly the newest and has all the features to ensure that decades of drivers enjoy a safe, welcoming and comfortable place to simply use the facilities or rest on a long road trip. An average of 64,000 people per day drove this stretch of I-26 in 2019.
Crews from Archer/Wright Joint Venture and subcontractors built the rest areas for approximately $5 million each as part of the $271 million project to widen I-26 in Henderson County.
Some of the features include the following:
• 90 passenger car parking spaces
• 30 semi-truck parking spaces
• 4 handicap parking spaces
• Complete ADA compliance
• High-efficiency lighting
• Low-flow water systems
• Family restroom with changing table
• Patio picnic area
• Separate vending machine building
• Dedicated pet area with fire-hydrant