Asheville:
I-40 West section will be closed May 10-13: What to know about detours, timing, more
A stretch of Interstate 40 is set to close this weekend, May 10-13, similar to closures two weeks ago, to allow contract crews to begin rehabilitating bridges and resurfacing in the area. For real-time travel information, visit DriveNC.gov or follow NCDOT on social media.
Where will I-40 be closed?
I-40 West will be closed this weekend from Hendersonville Road (Exit 50) to I-26 East (Exit 46A), according to the North Carolina Department of Transportation.
When will I-40 West be closed? When will I-40 reopen?
The section of highway will be closed for most of the weekend into early Monday morning, from 8 p.m. Friday, May 10, through 6 a.m. Monday, May 13. NCDOT addressed delays that occurred two weeks ago due to issues with a batch of latex-modified concreted, stating that the contractors have since corrected errors that led to the extended closure.
What detours are there during the I-40 West closure?
The NCDOT suggests I-40 East to I-240 West as a detour for the weekend’s I-40 West closure. Onramps from Hendersonville Road to I-40 West as well as the Brevard Road onramp to I-40 West will be closed, with signs in place to notify motorists of the detour.
Why is I-40 West closed?
I-40 West will close over the weekend for work toward the $27.9 million NCDOT interstate rehabilitation project. The project includes roadway resurfacing and bridge overlays, and will also address spalling concrete on bridges and piers and improve the riding surface of the four I-40 bridges over Hominy Creek and two bridges over the French Broad River, according to the news release.
NCDOT traffic engineers, project team and contractors have developed a traffic management plan to minimize disruptions to daily traffic while the work is being completed, but the plan does require closures of stretches of I-40 for six weekends in total. The contract calls for completion in spring 2026. Further construction plans this year include nighttime lane closures for asphalt resurfacing, installation of a new guardrail, concrete drainage construction and pavement markers.
The NCDOT said that alternative options to their current traffic management plan would have meant more regular daytime closures which would have extended the length of the contract and created more traffic disruptions.
Conclusion
Asheville residents are advised to take note of the upcoming closure of I-40 West over the weekend for necessary construction work. Alternative routes and detours have been set up to minimize travel disruptions during this time. Stay informed about the closure and plan your travel accordingly to avoid any delays.
