The Haywood Commute: Could I-40 Express Lanes Bridge the Gap to Asheville?

Haywood County -- April 11, 2026: A major transformation is being proposed for the 16-mile stretch of Interstate 40 connecting Haywood and Buncombe counties. While local commuters have long voiced frustrations over daily bottlenecks, a new study suggests that "Express Lanes" might be the fastest way to fund a solution.The $850 Million VisionThe proposal aims to widen I-40 from Exit 27 in Clyde to Exit 44 in Asheville, expanding the current corridor to a six- or eight-lane highway. The N.C. Depar