ASHEVILLE — Drivers exiting Interstate 40 at Sweeten Creek Road and
Hendersonville Road will soon have a better commute.
A contractor for the N.C. Department of Transportation has started
construction at Exit 50 and 51 to increase mobility and reduce backups.
NHM Construction is expected to complete the work at both exits this fall at
a cost of $2.2 million. During construction, drivers will pass through an active
work zone at both exits. Occasional nighttime lane closures may be necessary
this summer.
At Exit 50, crews will be adding additional left and right turn lanes on the
eastbound off ramp to Hendersonville Road. Signal improvements will also be
made to accommodate the new dual left and dual right turn lanes. This will
eliminate the left turning merge which currently exists when turning north onto
Hendersonville Road.
At Exit 51, on the westbound off ramp onto Sweeten
Creek Road, crews will be lengthening the right turn lane, which should
eliminate traffic backups onto I-40 during heavy congestion periods. On the
eastbound side, crews will be adding an additional left turn
lane.
Transportation officials remind drivers to slow down through work
zones and obey all posted traffic signs.
Visit www.DriveNC.gov for real-time
traffic information and follow www.Twitter.com/NCDOT
Contact: David Uchiyama
duchiyama@ncdot.gov
(828) 251-6171