News

Detours set this week for I-26 work

By Lightning Reports, Published: August 10, 2021

The Integrated Corridor Management System will be used to move Interstate 26 traffic through detours on seven of the next nine nights.

N.C. Department of Transportation contractors widening the interstate will close one direction of travel between U.S. 25 Business (Exit 44, Fletcher-Mountain Home) and Long Shoals Road (Exit 37) for multiple operations including the removal of the old Fanning Bridge Road over I-26 in the coming week.

The ICM system, operated by engineers in the Mountain Traffic Management Center, provides longer green lights for drivers along the detour routes which will utilize Hendersonville Road (U.S. 25) and Long Shoals Road (N.C. 146). The detour adds about nine minutes to drive times compared to travel on the interstate based on previous utilization of the ICM.

The closures will begin no earlier than 8 p.m. each night and may be adjusted due to heavy traffic volumes. All lanes will reopen by 6 a.m. the next morning.

The following schedule is tentative and subject to change based on weather conditions:

• Tuesday, Aug. 10: I-26 West closed from exit 44 to exit 37
• Wednesday, Aug. 11: I-26 West closed from exit 44 to exit 37
• Thursday, Aug. 12: I-26 East closed from exit 37 to exit 44
• Sunday, Aug. 15: I-26 East closed from exit 37 to exit 44
• Monday, Aug. 16: I-26 East closed from exit 37 to exit 44
• Tuesday, Aug. 17: I-26 West closed from exit 44 to exit 37
• Wednesday, Aug. 18: I-26 West closed from exit 44 to exit 37

Crews working on the project in Henderson County will remove old Fanning Bridge Road by cutting the deck into sections and removing them with large cranes. Crews working on the project in Buncombe County south of Long Shoals Road will pour new concrete, remove earth material, pave new asphalt and prepare to switch eastbound traffic near Glen Bridge Road.

Transportation officials advise drivers to follow the detour, obey all posted traffic signs and remain alert in work zones.