U.S. 19/23 (Future I-26) Improvements

The N.C. Department of Transportation is resuming environmental and engineering studies for proposed improvements to U.S. 19/23 (Future I-26) from just north of I-240 in Asheville to just south of Stockton Road (Exit 13) near Mars Hill.

The 12-mile project would add two travel lanes to portions of U.S. 19/23 – currently a four-lane, divided freeway – as well as replace several bridges and repave sections of the freeway.

Proposed work will address traffic congestion as well as improve bridges and replace deteriorating pavements.

The next step is to complete the environmental studies and preliminary engineering, which identifies impacts the proposed designs will have on the environment. The outcome of these studies will be summarized and shared with the public when completed.

Project Funding

The project is listed as project A-0010A in the State Transportation Improvement Program, the N.C. Department of Transportation's 10-year plan that identifies the construction funding and scheduling for major transportation projects.

The project is currently estimated to cost $770 million.