MARS HILL – A contractor for the N.C. Department of Transportation is mobilizing to begin an interstate maintenance project on Future Interstate 26 in Madison County.
Crews from Buckeye Bridge will rehabilitate bridges and replace drainage boxes from the Tennessee state line to the U.S. 19 interchange at Exit 9. The $7.6 million project is scheduled for completion in September 2024.
The first phase, slated to start in the coming weeks, includes repairing joints on the bridge over Big Laurel Road — one of the tallest bridges in North Carolina — near the Wolf Laurel exit. Additional tasks in the project include removing and replacing bridge decks, painting steel beams, and other necessary updates.
Traffic impacts will be limited during most travel times thanks to the three existing lanes in both directions and an average of less than 10,000 vehicles per day. However, lane closures will be necessary for the safety of drivers and contract crew members.
Transportation officials remind drivers to remain alert, merge early, and obey all posted traffic signs.