ASHEVILLE – Construction crews will soon begin work in the French Broad River as part of the Interstate 26 Connector project, marking an important milestone in building four new bridges that will carry I-26/240 traffic across the river.
The project’s contractor, Archer-Wright Joint Venture, is expected to construct a temporary causeway in the river within the next month.
The causeway is a temporary work area made of rock that provides crews access to the river so they can build the foundations for the new bridges.
Construction of the causeway will begin on the east side of the French Broad River near river mile marker 71.5. The temporary work area will move throughout different phases of construction and will support bridge construction through 2029. The four new bridges will carry I-26/240 traffic in the project's final configuration.
NCDOT coordinated with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and other permitting agencies to obtain the necessary approvals to construct the temporary work area in the river. Throughout construction, NCDOT will monitor water quality and bank stability while implementing measures to minimize impacts to the waterway.
To build the temporary work area, crews will use clean rock, or riprap, to create a stable surface within the river. NCDOT and the contractor will implement standard best management practices during construction. Once construction activities are complete, the causeway will be removed and the area will be restored.
What River Users Need to Know
River users traveling beyond the Craven Street Bridge near river mile marker 71 should be aware of construction activities and use caution when navigating the area.
Safety measures to help guide river users around the construction area will be in place, including signage and clearly marked travel lanes. For more information about river safety during construction, visit NCDOT’s River Safety guide page.
River users should follow all posted notices, use designated safe travel lanes and avoid accessing the temporary work area or active construction areas. River conditions can vary depending on water levels, weather and other factors, and conditions may change quickly around construction areas and bridge piers.