Asheville -- July 24, 2026: Work continues on the I-26 Connector project through Asheville, with transportation officials preparing for another change in traffic patterns as construction moves into its next phase.
According to the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT), crews are planning to shift westbound I-26 traffic into the highway median on Thursday, July 31, if weather conditions allow. The adjustment will create additional workspace for crews to continue construction along the existing roadway.
The traffic shift precedes another significant change for motorists. NCDOT plans to close the Westgate interchange ramp beginning Aug. 2, allowing construction teams to continue building the redesigned interchange and complete roadway improvements in the West Asheville area.
Drivers traveling through the construction zone should anticipate changing traffic patterns, reduced speeds, and possible delays as work progresses.
While the upcoming traffic shift and ramp closure are the primary changes expected in the coming days, transportation officials said there are no additional major traffic impacts planned for this week.
The I-26 Connector remains one of Western North Carolina's largest transportation infrastructure projects. The long-term effort is designed to modernize and expand Interstate 26 through Asheville by replacing aging bridges, widening sections of the interstate, and improving key interchanges to increase safety and traffic flow.
Construction continues across multiple sections of the corridor, including the replacement of the Haywood Road bridge and other roadway improvements. Motorists have already experienced several new traffic patterns in recent months, including changes along westbound I-26 between Brevard Road and U.S. 64.
NCDOT encourages drivers to stay alert in work zones, follow posted speed limits, and allow extra travel time while construction continues.