ASHEVILLE – Two new lanes on Interstate 26 East will be available for drivers on Friday morning.
But first, the N.C. Department of Transportation will close I-26 East from Brevard Road to Airport Road at 8 p.m. tonight allowing contract crews to remove barrels, barricades and update lane markings prior to sunrise Friday morning.
On Thursday night, I-26 East drivers will detoured along I-40 East to Hendersonville Road (Exit 50) and south to Airport Road (N.C. 280). Then, about 1.75 miles of I-26 East — from just east of the active construction zone, up Blue Ridge Parkway Hill, and down beyond Long Shoals Road (Exit 37) — will have two new lanes plus the two existing lanes available for drivers starting Friday.
Construction continues in the area to build a new interchange (Exit 35) connecting I-26 to Frederick Law Olmsted Way which will continues west to Brevard Road (N.C. 191). The interchange is an addition to the I-26 Widening project and should be completed by the end of the year.
Transportation officials remind drivers to remain alert, obey all posted signs traffic signs and follow detour routes for the safety of motorists and workers.