The opening, after years of construction, is a critical step that allows the N.C. Department of Transportation (NCDOT) to move forward with the final stages of widening I-26.
The new structure, located near Parkway Milepost 391 in Buncombe County, is necessary to accommodate the widening of I-26 to its final capacity, as the piers of the original, nearly 60-year-old bridge stood directly in the way of the new interstate lanes.
Next Phase: Demolition and Finishing Touches
While the bridge is successfully carrying vehicles, work crews are still on-site to complete the finishing touches:
Aesthetics and Trail Access: Remaining work includes adding stone masonry, installing wooden guardrails and other architectural features to ensure the bridge blends seamlessly with the Parkway's historic design elements. The new structure also features a dedicated sidewalk to accommodate the Mountains-to-Sea Trail. Plans also include building a new parking lot for the popular hiking trail.
Old Bridge Removal: The biggest next step involves the demolition of the old bridge. Crews plan to dismantle the old structure piece by piece over an anticipated six-week period, weather permitting. This will involve removing the deck in sections, followed by the girders and the six support columns.
“We are certainly excited to accomplish this feat before visitors flock to western North Carolina to enjoy leaf season in Asheville and along the Blue Ridge Parkway,” Division 13 Engineer Tim Anderson said. “While this is not related to Hurricane Helene repairs, it’s another sign that WNC is open for business and NCDOT is progressing on other projects in addition to storm repairs.”
“While it is open and carrying traffic, a lot of work remains to be done after the fall season,” said Luke Middleton, the project’s resident engineer. “Some of the masonry, removing the old road sections, building a parking lot for the Mountains-to-Sea trail, the final grading, tree planting … those are things left to do.”
Traffic Impacts: Demolition work is expected to require overnight closures on I-26 to ensure the safety of workers and motorists below the bridge. Drivers should be aware of these necessary closures in the coming weeks.
The replacement of the bridge and its subsequent demolition will ultimately pave the way for the completion of the I-26 widening project in this congested corridor, bringing it closer to its anticipated functional completion date in the northern section.
WNCTimes
Image: New Blue Ridge Parkway/MST I-26 Bridge