Widening One of Asheville’s Busiest Roads
The merging of I-26 and I-240 into I-40 just west of Asheville has long been known as malfunction junction. These interchanges, increasingly congested and hazardous for drivers; have been the site of several wrecks. Slamming on the brakes and coming to a complete stop while attempting to navigate this interchange is not unusual, especially on Friday afternoons. The NC Department of Transportation (NCDOT) recognized the problem some time ago, and after careful study, awarded this project to Taylor & Murphy Construction Company.
To relieve this all too frequent congestion, Taylor & Murphy is designing and constructing additional lanes along I-40 in Buncombe County. The construction includes a two mile stretch beginning just west of Monte Vista Road overpass and ending at the I-240/I-26 interchanges. The job does not carry into the interchange.
The eastbound auxiliary lane will start at the entrance ramp to I-40 from US-19/23 Smokey Park Highway and continue until the outside exit lane of I-26. The addition of this lane will make a huge difference in traffic flow. Currently the lane leading onto I-40 here ends abruptly, leaving drivers nowhere to go and surrounded by heavy traffic.
The westbound auxiliary lane will start at the entrance ramp to I-40 from I-240 and continue until the Enka-Candler exit ramp to Smokey Park Highway US-19/23.
A beautiful new single span bridge will replace the existing I-40 bridges over Smokey Park Highway to allow for future widening of US-19/23.
Keeping Traffic Interruptions to a Minimum
All projects of this type mean some traffic interruptions, and four major traffic shifts are required during construction. Three major shifts have already occurred and one remains. This will occur spring of 2008, and will shift the eastbound traffic to the newly built eastbound lane.
The project will be complete in fall of 2008. Total project time is about three years, far earlier than most projects of this type. Click here to find out why.
Sophisticated electronic warning systems will guide drivers and enhance safety in this area. Read more about this.
Four lanes will be open (two in each direction) daily during construction; one lane may be closed only from 8 p.m. until early mornings. Click here for details
