ASHEVILLE – Drivers in Asheville should now see concrete safety barriers along the shoulder of portions of Interstate 40 and Interstate 26 in Asheville.
The contractor, Archer-Wright Joint Venture, installed the safety barriers to begin clearing operations for the southern section of the I-26 Asheville Connector. This section runs from the Smokey Park Highway interchange on I-40 to the I-26 interchange.
The safety barriers are along I-40 West and East at mile markers 44 through 46, and along I-26 East at Exit 31A. There are currently no scheduled lane closures or reductions in speed limit in this area, but drivers should be aware of the reduced pull-off area along the shoulders.
The clearing and grubbing operations will last approximately two months in these areas. All the work is taking place during the day but will remain behind the portable safety barriers.
Archer-Wright JV earned the contract for this section last year. Once complete, this project will help to alleviate congestion in the area, increase the service life of the roadway, and provide better access to western Buncombe County.
Construction for the entire southern section of the Connector project will continue until 2029.
NCDOT will work closely with Archer-Wright JV to notify the public of any major closures during construction.