North Carolina, October 15, 2025

Sections of I-26 in North Carolina will undergo overnight closures beginning October 19 for essential maintenance work. This will affect traffic around Asheville from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., and drivers are advised to expect delays. The maintenance aims to improve highway conditions while ensuring the safety of all road users. Detours will be put in place to facilitate smooth traffic flow during this period.

Asheville, North Carolina: Overnight I-26 Closures Begin October 19 for Bridge Maintenance

Asheville, North Carolina – Overnight closures of sections of Interstate 26 (I-26) near Asheville will commence on Sunday, October 19, for maintenance work involving the dismantling of the old Blue Ridge Parkway bridge. These closures will take place from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. each night through Thursday, with a potential second week of work beginning October 26. Drivers are advised that detours will be implemented to facilitate safe navigation around the work zones.

Details of the Closures and Detours

Both directions of I-26 will be closed overnight from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. to allow crews to dismantle the bridge above the highway. The detour routes are outlined as follows:

• Westbound Traffic: Detoured from Airport Road (Exit 40) north along Hendersonville Road (U.S. 25) to I-40, and if needed, to N.C. 191 and I-240 East. On Thursday night, westbound drivers will instead exit at U.S. 25 (Exit 44).
• Eastbound Traffic: Routed from Brevard Road (Exit 33) west on Long Shoals Road (N.C. 146) before returning to I-26 East.

Traffic signals along these detour routes will be adjusted to provide longer green lights to help alleviate congestion. Drivers are encouraged to plan for potential delays and exercise caution in the vicinity of the work zones.

Background on the Maintenance Work

This maintenance undertaking is part of an ongoing initiative to improve I-26 in the Asheville area. The dismantling of the old Blue Ridge Parkway bridge is a key component of this project, aimed at enhancing both safety and traffic flow. The new Blue Ridge Parkway bridge will remain operational, ensuring continued access for travelers. The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) stresses the importance of these improvements for regional infrastructure.

Weather Considerations

Weather conditions may affect the maintenance schedule. The forecast for Sunday, October 19, includes considerable cloudiness with potential showers and thunderstorms, which could result in localized damaging wind gusts. Drivers should remain updated on weather conditions and plan their travel accordingly.

Additional Information

To obtain the latest information on road closures and detours, drivers are encouraged to consult the NCDOT website or local news sources. Staying informed will aid in ensuring a smoother travel experience during this maintenance period.

FAQ

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        "text": "The closures are expected to continue through Thursday night, with a second week of work possible starting October 26. The exact duration will depend on the progress of the bridge removal."
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        "text": "Westbound traffic will be detoured from Airport Road (Exit 40) north along Hendersonville Road (U.S. 25) to I-40, and if needed, to N.C. 191 and I-240 East. On Thursday night, westbound drivers will instead exit at U.S. 25 (Exit 44). Eastbound traffic will be routed from Brevard Road (Exit 33) west on Long Shoals Road (N.C. 146) before returning to I-26 East."
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Author: Construction NC News

NORTH CAROLINA STAFF WRITER 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.