ASHEVILLE — Another major step in the widening of Interstate 26 in Buncombe County is complete.
Traffic is now using a new permanent bridge on the Blue Ridge Parkway over I-26, which allows for an N.C. Department of Transportation contractor to remove the old bridge and finish widening the interstate underneath.
“We are certainly excited to accomplish this feat before visitors flock to western North Carolina to enjoy leaf season in Asheville and along the Blue Ridge Parkway,” Division 13 Engineer Tim Anderson said. “While this is not related to Hurricane Helene repairs, it’s another sign that WNC is open for business and NCDOT is progressing on other projects in addition to storm repairs.”
The new bridge is necessary to accommodate widening of the interstate. Piers for the old bridge interfere with the construction. So NCDOT, the Federal Highway Administration, National Park Service and other agencies agreed to construction of the new bridge.
This segmental bridge is made from pre-cast concrete parts, including 14 pieces for the piers. Long tendons inside the bridge connect the pieces, and the internal cavity allows for easier maintenance. Most of the details — some of which will be completed at a later date — include stone masonry, wooden guardrails and other features that help it blend with other Blue Ridge Parkway design elements.
“While it is open and carrying traffic, a lot of work remains to be done after the fall season,” said Luke Middleton, the project’s resident engineer. “Some of the masonry, removing the old road sections, building a parking lot for the Mountains-to-Sea trail, the final grading, tree planting … those are things left to do.”
Crews from Fluor-United and their subcontractor are set to begin removing the old bridge in pieces. First, the deck will be saw-cut and removed in sections and then the girders will be removed. Finally, each of the six-pier columns will be pushed to the ground and dismantled.
Some of the later operations will require overnight closures — similar to the overnight closures installed throughout the project — that will be necessary to safely complete bridge removal. Middleton anticipates crews needing about six weeks, pending weather and progress of other operations, to remove the old bridge.