ASHEVILLE – A contractor for the N.C. Department of Transportation will close a stretch of Interstate 40 West this weekend, weather permitting, allowing contract crews to perform rehabilitation operations on bridges.
Crews from DBA Harrison Construction Company of Asheville will close I-40 West at 8 p.m. Friday through 6 a.m. Monday from Hendersonville Road (Exit 50) to I-26 to work on the westbound bridge over the French Broad River.
The primary detour will utilize I-240 West starting at Exit 53B. Digital signs across the area notify motorists to use I-240 West instead of I-40 West. The Brevard Road onramp to I-40 West will also be closed with traffic detoured to utilize the I-240 West detour route.
This is the final scheduled weekend closure for this project. All other tasks will be completed at night.
Planned operations this weekend include bridge joint repairs to both bridges prior to re-opening this section of I-40 Monday morning at 6 am. The contractor faces liquidated damages if the interstate remains closed beyond 6 a.m.
This $27.9 million interstate rehabilitation project includes roadway resurfacing and bridge overlays. It will also address spalling concrete on bridge substructure components — including the piers — and improve the riding surface of the four I-40 bridges over Hominy Creek and two bridges over the French Broad River. The contract calls for completion in the spring of 2026.