I-26 sections will be closed overnight July 22-25: What to know about detours, timing
A contractor for the N.C. Department of Transportation will close areas of Interstate 26 East tonight, Monday, July 22, through Thursday, July 25, to safely conduct construction operations in the area, according to a news release from NCDOT.
For real-time travel information, visit DriveNC.gov or follow NCDOT on social media. Here's what we know about the closures.
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Where will I-26 be closed?
On Monday night, I-26 East from Brevard Road (Exit 33) to Airport Road (Exit 40) and the Airport Road onramp will be closed.
On Tuesday night, I-26 East from Brevard Road (Exit 33) to Long Shoals Road (Exit 37) will be closed..
On Wednesday night, I-26 East from Brevard Road (Exit 33) to U.S. 64 (Exit 49) will be closed.
On Thursday night, I-26 East from Brevard Road (Exit 33) to U.S. 25 (Exit 44) will be closed.
When will I-26 be closed? When will I-26 reopen?
The I-26 closures will begin no earlier than 8 p.m. each day and reopen by 6 a.m. the next morning.
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What detours are there during the I-26 closures?
Monday: I-40 East to Hendersonville Road (Exit 50) south 12 miles to I-26 at Exit 44.
Tuesday: Brevard Road (N.C. 191) south to Long Shoals Road, east to I-26.
Wednesday: I-40 East to Hendersonville Road (Exit 50) south through Hendersonville to U.S. 176 East to Upward Road to re-access at Exit 53.
Thursday: I-40 East to Hendersonville Road (Exit 50) south 12 miles to I-26 at Exit 44.
Some green lights will also be lengthened in order to accommodate additional traffic from the interstate.
Why is I-26 closed?
This week's operations are part of the I-26 widening project in Henderson and Buncombe counties, which aims to reduce traffic congestion congestion and improve travel times upon completion. The news release said the most significant work during this week's closures will happen Thursday night, when a contractor will switch I-26 East traffic closer to the French Broad River from the Long Shoals Road exit to Fanning Bridge Road in Henderson County. This shift will place traffic on new concrete and allow crews to begin finishing safety walls, median shoulders, and later, final pavement markings. Other work could include diamond-grinding, concrete work on the Blue Ridge Parkway bridge, and preparation for a traffic shift in Buncombe County.
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Todd Runkle is the Carolinas Connect editor and a content coach for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at trunkle@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: I-26 in Henderson, Buncombe to close overnight: Detours, times
