ASHEVILLE – The N.C. Department of Transportation has started right-of-way acquisition for the North Section of the Interstate 26 Asheville Connector, marking a major milestone for one of western North Carolina’s highest-priority transportation projects.
The right-of-way phase covers the area included in the I-2513B and I-2513D sections of the project — from Haywood Road, up I-240 East and across the French Broad River, plus Riverside Drive. Current funding allocated for this work includes $61 million for early acquisitions on I-2513B, $107 million for the remaining I-2513B needs, and $25 million for the Riverside Drive portion, for a total estimate of $193 million.
The North Section of the I-26 Asheville Connector will be delivered using the design-build method, which allows design and construction to progress more efficiently. The contract was awarded in June 2024, with anticipated completion in Fall 2031. The project team is currently advancing design plans, and construction should begin in early 2026.
This project will improve safety, reduce congestion and modernize infrastructure along one of the region’s busiest travel corridors. Planned improvements include:
- Widening I-26/I-240 from four to six lanes between Haywood Road and Patton Avenue
- Interchange upgrades at Haywood Road and Broadway Street
- Improvements along Riverside Drive
- Construction of a new location interstate for I-26 and the I-26/I-240 interchange
Right-of-Way Impacts and What Property Owners Can Expect
Right-of-way needs for this section include portions of approximately 170 parcels, with an estimated 80 relocations. Current projections include approximately 32 residential relocations and 45 non-residential relocations, including businesses and rental properties. These estimates may adjust as design progresses.
Property owners will be contacted directly by a right-of-way agent with American Acquisition Group, which is assisting NCDOT on this project. The agent will meet with owners to review project plans, explain potential impacts and gather information needed for an appraisal. After an appraiser visits the property and the appraisal is complete, the agent will present a written offer of fair market value, much like a typical real estate transaction.
Owners and tenants who must relocate will receive relocation assistance information and time to consider their options.
“Right-of-way acquisition is one of the most important steps in keeping this project on schedule,” said Nathan Moneyham, NCDOT Division 13 Construction Engineer. “The I-26 Asheville Connector will improve safety and mobility for everyone who travels through this corridor, and beginning this phase gets us one step closer to construction.”
For more information on the I-26 Asheville Connector project, visit NCDOT.gov.
For real-time travel information, visit DriveNC.gov or follow NCDOT on social media.