North Carolina, October 21, 2025
Overnight closures are set to commence on a section of I-26 in North Carolina as part of a bridge removal project. The closures will primarily affect westbound lanes, with detours strategically posted to maintain safety during construction activities. Drivers are advised to plan their routes accordingly as the work unfolds over the upcoming week.
Asheville, NC: Overnight Closures on I-26 for Bridge Removal
Asheville, NC – The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) has begun overnight closures on Interstate 26 (I-26) to remove the old Blue Ridge Parkway bridge, starting Sunday night, October 19, 2025. These closures will occur nightly from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. until Thursday, October 23, 2025, with potential extensions if necessary into the following week. Drivers are advised to plan alternate routes to avoid delays during these times.
Detour Routes
During the I-26 closures, traffic will be redirected as follows:
- I-26 Westbound: Detoured from Airport Road (Exit 40) to Hendersonville Road (U.S. 25) northbound, then to I-40 westbound. Additional routes may include N.C. 191 and I-240 Eastbound. On Thursday, westbound traffic will be diverted at U.S. 25 (Exit 44).
- I-26 Eastbound: Detoured from Brevard Road (Exit 33) westbound on Long Shoals Road (N.C. 146) back to I-26 Eastbound.
To alleviate congestion, NCDOT will be adjusting traffic signals along detour routes to provide longer green lights and will place additional signage to guide drivers unfamiliar with the detour.
Bridge Removal Details
The removal of the old Blue Ridge Parkway bridge is crucial for the I-26 widening project. A new bridge made of pre-cast concrete parts is set to improve traffic flow. Demolition involves cutting the bridge deck into sections, followed by dismantling girders and piers, with an estimated completion of four to six weeks, depending on weather and work efficiency.
Impact on Traffic
Motorists are encouraged to use alternative routes to minimize delays. The new Blue Ridge Parkway bridge will remain open during the bridge removal, but there may be minor delays due to adjacent construction and increased autumn traffic.
Background
The I-26 widening project aims to alleviate congestion and enhance travel times by its expected completion in spring 2025. The new Blue Ridge Parkway bridge will facilitate the continued expansion of I-26, supported by collaboration from NCDOT, the Federal Highway Administration, the National Park Service, and other agencies.
Weather Forecast
Constructive weather conditions in Asheville over the closure period are expected:
- Tuesday, October 21, 2025: Sunny to partly cloudy, High: 70°F (21°C), Low: 41°F (5°C)
- Wednesday, October 22, 2025: Plenty of sunshine, breezy and cooler, High: 62°F (17°C), Low: 33°F (1°C)
- Thursday, October 23, 2025: Plenty of sunshine, High: 64°F (18°C), Low: 32°F (0°C)
Motorists should remain attentive to changing weather that could affect both driving conditions and construction schedules.
Contact Information
For real-time travel information and updates on the I-26 project, visit NCDOT’s official website or check their social media channels. Assistance can also be obtained by contacting NCDOT’s customer service line at 1-877-DOT-4YOU (1-877-368-4968).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the dates and times for the I-26 overnight closures?
The overnight closures on I-26 in Asheville, NC, began on Sunday night, October 19, 2025, and are scheduled from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. each night, continuing through Thursday, October 23, 2025. The exact duration of the closures will depend on the progress of the bridge removal, with the possibility of extending into the following week, beginning Sunday, October 26, 2025.
What are the detour routes during the I-26 closures?
During the closures, traffic will be diverted as follows:
I-26 Westbound: Detoured from Airport Road (Exit 40) to Hendersonville Road (U.S. 25) northbound, then to I-40 westbound; additional detours may include N.C. 191 and I-240 Eastbound. On Thursday night, westbound traffic will be diverted at U.S. 25 (Exit 44).
I-26 Eastbound: Detoured from Brevard Road (Exit 33) westbound on Long Shoals Road (N.C. 146) back to I-26 Eastbound.
How long is the bridge removal expected to take?
The removal of the old Blue Ridge Parkway bridge is expected to take approximately four to six weeks, depending on weather conditions and the efficiency of the work.
Will the new Blue Ridge Parkway bridge remain open during the closures?
Yes, the new Blue Ridge Parkway bridge will remain open during the closures. However, drivers may experience minor delays due to nearby construction activities and increased autumn traffic.
How can I stay informed about the latest traffic updates?
For real-time travel information and updates on the I-26 widening project, visit NCDOT’s official website or follow their social media channels. Drivers can also call NCDOT’s customer service line at 1-877-DOT-4YOU (1-877-368-4968) for assistance.
Key Features of the I-26 Overnight Closures
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Closure Dates and Times | October 19–23, 2025, 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.; possible extension starting October 26, 2025. |
| Detour Routes | I-26 Westbound: Airport Road (Exit 40) to Hendersonville Road (U.S. 25) northbound, then to I-40 westbound; additional detours may include N.C. 191 and I-240 Eastbound. On Thursday night, westbound traffic will be diverted at U.S. 25 (Exit 44). I-26 Eastbound: Brevard Road (Exit 33) westbound on Long Shoals Road (N.C. 146) back to I-26 Eastbound. |
| Bridge Removal Duration | Approximately four to six weeks, depending on weather conditions and work efficiency. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Author: Construction NC News
The NORTH CAROLINA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at constructionncnews.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in North Carolina and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the North Carolina Build Expo, major infrastructure projects, and advancements in construction technology showcases. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Associated Builders and Contractors of the Carolinas and the North Carolina Home Builders Association, plus leading businesses in construction and legal services that power the local economy such as CMiC Global and Womble Bond Dickinson LLP. As part of the broader network, including constructioncanews.com, constructionnynews.com, and constructiontxnews.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic construction landscape across multiple states.
