ASHEVILLE – N.C. Department of Transportation contract crews will change the traffic pattern on Interstate 40 East in Asheville on Friday night, weather permitting.
The contractor, Archer-Wright Joint Venture, will adjust the striping on I-40 East between mile markers 44 (Patton Avenue/Smokey Park Highway) and 46A (I-26 East). Crews also will install concrete safety barriers which will close the right lane between these exits.
Despite the closure of the right lane, three through lanes will remain open to traffic, and access to Exit 44 will be maintained throughout this phase of construction.
This work allows Archer-Wright to begin widening and rehabilitating this stretch of I-40. Once the outside lanes are built and repaired, traffic can be shifted allowing for safe repairs to the inside lanes.
This configuration is expected to remain in place for approximately 18 months. Additional traffic shifts will follow.
This work is part of the southern section of the I-26 Connector project. This section runs from the Smokey Park Highway interchange on I-40 to the I-26 interchange. A map can be found here. The work for this project falls under sections AA and AB.
Drivers are urged to slow down in the work zone, stay alert, and follow posted signs.
Visit DriveNC.gov for real-time traffic information.