Asheville -- July 28, 2026: A major permanent traffic shift is set to take effect in West Asheville this weekend as work progresses on the long-awaited Interstate 26 Connector project.
The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) has announced that the flyover ramp connecting eastbound Patton Avenue to Westgate Parkway will permanently close on Sunday, Aug. 2, 2026. State transportation officials noted that closing the ramp is a necessary step to allow construction crews to begin building the project's redesigned interchange layout.
Business Access and Impact
Despite the ramp closure, NCDOT officials emphasized that Westgate Shopping Center businesses, local services, and nearby destinations will remain open and fully accessible throughout construction.
Official Detour Route
Motorists traveling eastbound on Patton Avenue who need to access Westgate Parkway should follow the designated detour route:
Merge onto I-240 West / I-26 East heading toward Haywood Road.
Take the Haywood Road exit.
Cross over the interstate overpass to merge onto I-240 East / I-26 West.
Take Exit 3B directly onto Westgate Parkway.
Portable message boards and temporary static signs have been placed along the Patton Avenue corridor to alert drivers to the upcoming traffic pattern shift prior to Sunday's closure.
NCDOT Guidance for Drivers
According to Nathan Moneyham, NCDOT Division 13 Construction Engineer, drivers should expect traffic patterns to continue evolving as construction advances through different phases.
"This closure allows crews to safely move into the next phase of the project while maintaining access to the Westgate area," Moneyham stated. "We appreciate the public’s patience as we continue building these long-term improvements."
Motorists are encouraged to plan ahead, leave extra travel time, and exercise caution when driving through the work zone.