ASHEVILLE – An N.C. Department of Transportation contractor will soon begin extending the temporary rock causeway in the French Broad River to support construction of four new bridges as part of the Interstate 26 Connector project.
Over the next six weeks, crews will extend the causeway for installation of foundations for a temporary bridge. This work includes Phases 1B through 1D.
Crews are also building foundations and interior supports for the four new bridges that will cross the French Broad River. The causeway gives crews access to the river to complete this work and will remain in some form through 2029.
The contractor uses clean rock to build the temporary causeway and removes it when it is no longer needed, helping minimize impacts to the river.
River users should use caution near construction
Phase 1B will be one of the most restrictive stages of causeway construction, limiting passage through this stretch of the French Broad River. NCDOT encourages tubers to avoid the construction area and urges all river users to use caution, especially when high water is expected.
When unfavorable river conditions are expected, river users should plan to take out at the Craven Street boat ramp. A shuttle to Pearson Bridge Road is available during daytime hours. River users can call the number posted at the Craven Street ramp to arrange portage.
The contractor will monitor river conditions and remove construction equipment and materials if flooding is anticipated.
For more information about river safety during construction, visit NCDOT’s
River Safety guide page.