Haywood County -- April 30, 2026: Drivers traversing the corridor between Asheville and Waynesville should prepare for significant travel impacts next week. The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) has announced a continuous, multi-day lane closure on Interstate 40 West at Newfound Road (Exit 33) to accommodate critical bridge replacement work.
Key Details for Motorists
If you are planning to travel through the Canton area next week, keep the following schedule in mind:
Start Time: Monday, May 4, at 7:00 p.m.
End Time: Thursday, May 7, at 5:00 p.m.
Location: I-40 West at Exit 33 (Newfound Road).
Impact: One of the two travel lanes will be closed throughout this period.
Why the Closure is Necessary
The closure is a vital step in the ongoing $33 million project to replace the aging twin bridges over Beaverdam Road. Crews from Zachary Construction will utilize this time to safely shift traffic into a temporary alignment. This shift allows work to proceed on the existing bridge structures while maintaining a flow of traffic, albeit at a reduced capacity.
While the current phase focus is on this specific shift, the comprehensive bridge replacement project is a long-term infrastructure investment, with an estimated final completion date in April 2028.
Travel Recommendations
The NCDOT warns that narrowing the interstate to a single lane at Exit 33 will likely result in substantial congestion, particularly during morning and evening rush hours.
Allow Extra Time: Expect delays when commuting between Buncombe and Haywood counties.
Seek Alternate Routes: If possible, consider using US 19/23 through Enka-Candler and Canton to bypass the work zone.
Stay Informed: For real-time traffic updates and more local news coverage on Western North Carolina infrastructure, visit wnctimes.
Stay safe on the roads and remain alert while driving through work zones.