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 Vision
The 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. Department of Transportation (NCDOT) estimates the project will cost between $700 million and $850 million.
Because traditional funding sources are limited, officials are exploring two scenarios:
Adding one express lane in each direction.
Adding two express lanes in each direction.
Why Now? The Haywood Factor
The urgency for the expansion has grown alongside shifting economic realities in the region. Haywood County Board of Commissioners Chairman Kevin Ensley noted that 2023 data shows nearly 50% of Haywood County’s workforce commutes daily.
With the closure of the Pactiv Evergreen paper mill, that number has only increased as more residents seek employment in Buncombe County. "This is the only solution available at this time," Ensley stated, acknowledging that while tolls aren't popular, the revenue could accelerate a project that might otherwise take decades to complete.
What Drivers Need to Know
The Choice: The proposed express lanes would operate alongside existing free lanes. Drivers would only pay if they choose to use the less-congested express route.
Pricing: The system would likely use "demand-based pricing," where the toll rate fluctuates based on traffic volume.
Timeline: The project is currently being considered for the 2028-2037 State Transportation Improvement Program, with a potential completion date in the mid-2030s.
While the state is not yet advocating for one specific plan, the decision to move forward with tolling rests with local planning organizations like the Land of Sky and the French Broad River MPO.