Big Changes Coming to Asheville’s I-40 This Weekend!

Big Changes Coming to Asheville’s I-40 This Weekend!

If you’re planning to hit the road this weekend in Asheville, you might want to pay close attention. A significant stretch of Interstate 40 East is set to close for construction, starting at 8 p.m. on Friday, September 20, and won’t reopen until 6 a.m. on Monday, September 23. This closure is all part of some much-needed work to enhance safety and extend the life of the bridge over Hominy Creek.

What’s Happening?

The North Carolina Department of Transportation announced that I-40 East will be closed from the I-240 East/I-26 West interchange (Exit 46B) up to Hendersonville Road (Exit 50). This stretch of road will be off-limits all weekend long, so if you have plans to drive this route, you’ll definitely need to take a detour.

Detour Details

The main detour for this closure will guide drivers to I-240 East. You’ll notice digital signs in the area to help you navigate the route smoothly. If you’re coming from I-26 West, the ramp to I-40 East will also be closed, with message boards letting you know to continue on to I-240 East instead. Additionally, the Brevard Road onramp will be closed as well, pushing traffic to the I-240 East detour. So, be sure to plan your trip accordingly!

Why the Closure?

This closure isn’t just a random inconvenience; it’s part of a larger $27.9 million interstate rehabilitation project. During this weekend’s work, crews from DBA Harrison Construction Co. will be focusing on removing the existing bridge deck joint material and adjacent concrete. The goal? To install new bridge joints that will improve the structure’s resilience against water penetration, which can lead to corrosion over time.

What Else is in Store?

But that’s not all—this project encompasses much more! The planned rehabilitation includes resurfacing the road and making important improvements to the riding surface on the four I-40 bridges over Hominy Creek, along with two bridges over the French Broad River. Crews also have plans to address spalling concrete on the bridge substructure components, such as the piers, giving these structures a facelift they’ve long needed.

The completion of these enhancements is scheduled for the spring of 2026, so there’s plenty of work ahead. As part of the 2024 traffic plan, you can expect phases of nighttime lane closures for various tasks, including asphalt resurfacing, new guardrail installation, concrete drainage construction, and pavement markers.

Why Not Daytime Closures?

Now, you might be wondering why the work is being done at night instead of during the day. Well, by choosing nighttime operations over regular daytime closures, the construction team hopes to minimize traffic disruptions. This strategy is aimed at keeping drivers on the road and reducing the overall length of the project.

Keep Informed!