Asheville -- Significant changes to Asheville traffic patterns are scheduled to begin April 16, 2026, as part of the ongoing I-26 Connector project. Several permanent ramp closures on I-240 and I-26 will fundamentally alter daily commutes, while Asheville Rides Transit (ART) users will face immediate route adjustments.
Permanent Ramp Closures & Detours
The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) has confirmed that these closures are necessary for construction progress and will remain in place permanently. Drivers should plan for the following:
Riverside Drive Entrance Ramp: The entrance to I-240/I-26 will close at 9 p.m. on Wednesday, April 16.
Detour: Traffic will be directed to continue on Riverside Drive to Broadway Street to access I-26 East.
Hill Street Off-Ramp: The I-240/I-26 off-ramp to Hill Street will close at 9 p.m. on Thursday, April 17.
Detour: Motorists should remain on I-26 to Exit 25 (Broadway Street), then use Broadway to reach Riverside Drive and Hill Street.
Patton Avenue Eastbound Ramp: The ramp to the Patton Avenue eastbound frontage road (Westgate Bridge) is scheduled to close in early May. Specific dates and detour details will be released as the closure approaches.
NCDOT urges drivers to follow all posted signage, stay alert in work zones, and anticipate significant delays as the community adjusts to these new patterns.
ART Bus Route & Stop Changes
The project will also have a lasting impact on public transit. Routes WE1, WE2, and W5 will be detoured, turning right from Patton Avenue onto Haywood Street to access I-240 Westbound before rejoining their regular routes at the I-26/I-240 junction.
Discontinued Service:Bus stop 154 at Hill Street and Riverside Drive will no longer be serviced.
Rider Alternative: Passengers are advised to use bus stop 311 at Atkinson Street and Hill Street. This requires taking Route N3 and transferring at the ART Station to connect with westbound WE1, WE2, or W5 routes.
Project Background
The I-26 Connector is a multi-year effort to improve traffic flow and bring the corridor up to interstate standards. Spanning seven miles, the project will eventually link I-26 in southwest Asheville to U.S. 19/23/70 in the northwest via a new median-divided freeway.
For more details on this and other stories affecting our area, stay tuned to wnctimes for your daily local news. Further inquiries regarding the project can be directed to the NCDOT at i26connector@ncdot.gov.