I-40 East section will be closed July 26-29: What to know about detours, timing

Iris Seaton, Asheville Citizen Times
·2 min read
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A stretch of Interstate 40 East is set to close this weekend, July 26-29, to allow contract crews to work on a bridge between I-26 and Hendersonville Road, according to a news release from N.C. Department of Transportation.

For real-time travel information, visit DriveNC.gov or follow NCDOT on social media.

Where will I-40 East be closed?

As in past weekend closures, I-40 East will be closed from the I-240 East/I-26 West interchange at Exit 46B to Hendersonville Road at Exit 50.

The Brevard Road onramp to I-40 East will also be closed.

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When will I-40 East be closed? When will I-40 East reopen?

The section of I-40 will be closed all weekend beginning 8 p.m. Friday, July 26. The road will be reopened Monday, July 29, at 6 a.m.

What detours are there during the I-40 East closure?

The main detour for this closure will utilize I-240 East, with digital signs in the area posted to notify motorists of the route. The ramp from I-26 West to I-40 East will be closed, with signs alerting motorists to continue to the I-240 East detour.

Traffic to the Brevard Road onramp to I-40 East will be detoured onto I-240 East.

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Why is I-40 East closed?

The I-40 East weekend closure will allow crews from DBA Harrison Construction Co. of Asheville to work on the eastbound bridge over Hominy Creek and Hominy Creek Road, the news release said. Planned operations for the weekend include hydro-demolition of concrete from the deck, plus the addition of modified concrete that will provide new and improved riding surface.

The operation is part of a $27.9 million interstate rehabilitation project including roadway resurfacing and bridge overlays, NCDOT said in the release. The project will also address spalling concrete on bridge substructure components including the piers, and bring improvements to the riding surface of the four I-40 bridges over Hominy Creek and two bridges over the French Broad River. Crews aim to complete construction in the spring of 2026.

Going forward, the associated 2024 traffic plan includes phases of nighttime lane closures for asphalt resurfacing, installation of new guardrail, concrete drainage construction and pavement markers. Alternative options would have brought regular daytime closures, creating more traffic disruptions, and extended the total length of the contract.

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Iris Seaton is the trending news reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at iseaton@citizentimes.com.

This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Why is I-40 closed? Detours for I-40 closure on I-240 East