ASHEVILLE – The N.C. Department of Transportation has received approval to move forward with the latest plans for the I-26 Connector project.
The Federal Highway Administration re-evaluated the plans for the northern section of the project due to revisions that have occurred since the Record of Decision was issued in May 2023. The
Re-evaluation of the Record of Decision determined the updates do not cause significant new environmental impacts that would require additional environmental documentation.
“This approval reflects continued progress on one of western North Carolina’s most significant infrastructure projects,” Division 13 Construction Engineer Nathan Moneyham said. “The I-26 Connector will enhance mobility, improve safety and support long-term growth in the region.”
Construction on the northern section – formally known as I-2513 B&D – remains on schedule. Minor work, including traffic shifts and installation of temporary concrete barriers on I-26 between Hill Street and Broadway Street, will begin this weekend. More substantial construction is expected to begin next month, with minimal traffic impacts anticipated.
The northern section, which makes up the larger portion of the I-26 Connector, will connect I-26 in southwest Asheville to U.S. 19/23/70 northwest of the city. The 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 interstate location for I-26 and the I-26/I-240 interchange
The reevaluation also addresses potential noise walls identified in earlier traffic noise studies. No significant changes are anticipated in the noise abatement; however, the project’s final design noise report is still in development.