Bridge Maintenance to Prompt I-40 East Detour in Asheville This Weekend
Asheville, NC – If you’re planning to hit the road this weekend, be prepared for a familiar detour on Interstate 40 East as construction crews get ready to tackle vital bridge rehabilitation work. Starting at 8 p.m. Friday and wrapping up by 6 a.m. Monday, drivers will encounter closed lanes between the I-240 East/I-26 West interchange (Exit 46B) and Hendersonville Road (Exit 50). This closure is all about making our bridges safer and extending their lifespan, so there’s good reason for the inconvenience!
What’s the Plan?
Crews from DBA Harrison Construction Company in Asheville will work on the bridge spanning Hominy Creek and Hominy Creek Road. This isn’t their first rodeo; similar closures have occurred earlier this summer, but this time they’ll be busy removing the existing bridge deck joint material and adjacent concrete. The goal? To install brand new bridge joints that will help stave off water damage and corrosion. Sounds smart, right? Keeping our structures up to snuff is crucial!
Know Your Detour Routes
The primary detour for the I-40 East closure will be I-240 East, and you’ll notice digital signs popping up around town reminding you of the change. Don’t forget, if you’re coming from I-26 West, the ramp to I-40 East will be closed, so you’ll want to continue on to I-240 East instead. Plus, the Brevard Road onramp to I-40 East will also be closed, so keep an eye out to make sure you’re following the correct route.
A Big Project Ahead
This weekend’s detour is part of a more extensive $27.9 million project aimed at improving the entire interstate. Not only will crews be resurfacing the roadway, but there will also be significant work on bridge overlays and even addressing spalling concrete on the bridge substructure components, including its piers. If you’ve noticed the bumpy ride on those four I-40 bridges over Hominy Creek and the two bridges over the French Broad River, this project aims to improve that riding surface and make your travels much more comfortable.
When Will This All Be Done?
One thing to keep in mind is that this project isn’t a quick fix. The contract stipulates that the work should be completed by the spring of 2026, so while we’re looking at some weekend closures now, the payoff will come in the form of safer and smoother roadways in the future.
Getting Updated Info
For those who love real-time travel information, check out DriveNC.gov. Additionally, keep up with all the latest updates by following the N.C. Department of Transportation on social media. It’s a great way to stay in the loop, especially with road conditions and travel alerts that might affect your weekend plans.
So as you gear up for the weekend, remember there may be a little extra traffic as folks navigate around the detour. It’s always good to plan ahead, maybe allow yourself a little extra time, and remember: this construction is all about helping to keep our roads safe for everyone in Asheville.
Safe travels!
