Haywood County -- NCDOT to Close One I-40 West Lane in Haywood County Starting Tonight
Drivers in Haywood County should prepare for significant delays starting tonight, Monday, May 11, as the N.C. Department of Transportation (NCDOT) implements a temporary lane closure on I-40 West.
The closure is part of a critical traffic shift for the ongoing $33 million project to replace the interstate bridges over Beaverdam Road.
Closure Details
Location: I-40 West, near Exit 33 (Newfound Road).
Start Time: Monday, May 11, at 7:00 p.m.
End Time: Thursday, May 14, at 5:00 p.m. (Approximately 70 hours).
Impact: Westbound traffic will be reduced to a single lane for about one mile to allow crews to safely shift vehicles into a new, temporary alignment.
Project Scope
Crews from Zachry Construction Corporation are working to replace the aging 64-year-old twin bridges with a modern, single arched structure. This new design is intended to improve safety and reduce long-term maintenance costs for this heavily traveled corridor.
While the most disruptive traffic shifts are occurring this week, the overall project is scheduled for final completion by May 25, 2028.
Driver Safety and Advice
NCDOT officials remind motorists that work zones can be unpredictable. To stay safe:
Slow Down: Obey the reduced speed limits throughout the construction zone.
Merge Early: Pay attention to lane closure signs and merge as soon as it is safe to do so.
Check Real-Time Data: Use the DriveNC.gov map for live updates on congestion levels.