ASHEVILLE – N.C. Department of Transportation contract crews will change the traffic pattern on Interstate 40 West in Asheville Thursday night, weather permitting.
The contractor, Archer-Wright Joint Venture, will adjust the striping on I-40 West between mile markers 46A and 44. Crews also will install concrete safety barriers which will close the right lane between these exits.
Throughout this phase, three lanes will remain open along this stretch, ensuring minimal disruption to traffic flow.
The new configuration will feature two travel lanes for thru traffic on I-40 West, while the third lane will be designated as an "Exit Only" lane for drivers heading to Exit 44. The shift is expected to remain in place for at least 18 months, with lane reductions continuing through the project's expected completion in early 2029.
Temporary closures for these changes will take place overnight Thursday and Friday.
This work is part of the southern section of the I-26 Connector project. This section runs from the Smokey Park Highway interchange on I-40 to the I-26 interchange. A map can be found here. The work for this project falls under sections AA and AB.
In this section, plans involve rehabilitating the concrete pavement on I-40 at Exit 44 and splitting the off-ramp into Exit 44A and Exit 44B. There will also be widening, and upgrades made to the interchange from I-40 East to I-26 East.
Drivers are urged to slow down in the work zone, stay alert, and follow posted signs.
For real-time travel information, visit DriveNC.gov or follow NCDOT on social media.