INTERACTIVE PROJECT STUDY AREA MAP

This map shows study areas for Section B and D.

PROJECT OVERVIEW

The N.C. Department of Transportation proposes to construct a section of I-26 on a new location from the Patton Avenue interchange to US 19/23/70 south of Broadway in Asheville. The project would begin with improvements to the Haywood Road interchange and continues north as a new location interstate across the French Broad River, tying into US 19/23/70 south of Broadway Street, a total distance of about four miles.

This project is needed to fix traffic problems on I-240 (which will become I-26) and across the Captain Jeff Bowen Bridges to US 19/23/70. Right now some areas of the road don’t meet interstate standards and can’t officially be called I-26 until they’re upgraded. The project will help traffic move more smoothly, fix outdated road features and create a proper interstate route through West Asheville.

The I-2513B&D project is a key part of the larger I-26 Connector project, which will connect I-26 in southwest Asheville to US 19/23/70 in the northwest. The I-26 Connector project is divided into four sections: A, B, C and D designed to improve traffic flow and bring the corridor up to interstate standards. Section B creates a new, direct route over the French Broad River and connects Section A, which upgrades I-240 from I-40 to Haywood Road with Section C, which improves the road from the Patton Avenue interchange to the existing I-26/I-240/I-40 interchange. Section D makes improvements along Riverside Drive from Hill Street to Broadway Street. 

For more information, please visit the project website.

PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS

The proposed improvements include:

• Rebuilds the I-26/I-240 and Haywood Road interchange into a more compact, safer design called a tight urban diamond interchange (TUDI).
• Upgrades the I-240 and Patton Avenue interchange to connect with the new I-26 route.
• Builds three new bridges over the French Broad River, two for I-240 traffic and one for I-26.
• Separates I-240 traffic from local Patton Avenue traffic to improve safety and reduce congestion.
• Includes improvements to I-240 on the east side of the French Broad River.

PROJECT HISTORY

Planning for the I-26 Connector began in the early 1990s to improve traffic flow through Asheville and upgrade the corridor to interstate standards. A preferred route was identified in 1995 and since then NCDOT has worked with local communities, conducted detailed studies and refined the project based on public input.

The project was added to the State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) in 2015. NCDOT released a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) later that year, followed by public hearings and design updates. These updates led to the development of a Preferred Alternative that aimed to reduce impacts and better meet community needs.

The Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) was completed in January 2020, outlining potential environmental impacts and design refinements. Since 2021, NCDOT has updated section boundaries and created four project sections: A, B, C, and D to better manage construction and funding. Section D was added to include local road improvements and will be built along with Section B.

The Record of Decision (ROD), which formally approved the project and addressed comments on the FEIS, was signed on May 26, 2023. NCDOT continues to coordinate with the City of Asheville and community stakeholders to move the project forward.

PROJECT MAPS

Map 1: I-26 Connector From South of Haywood Road to South of Patton Avenue

Map 2: I-26 Connector New Location From Florida Avenue to South of Hill Street

Map 3: I-26 Connector From South of Hill Street to Broadway Street

PROJECT FUNDING

*Costs shown are estimates and are subject to change.

Based on currently adopted NCDOT State Transportation Improvement Program.

PROJECT TIMELINE

*Future dates subject to change

PROJECT UPDATE MEETING

Thursday, April 24

4 - 7 p.m.

Renaissance Asheville Hotel

Grand Ballroom

31 Woodfin Street

Asheville

Project Update Meeting Handout

PROJECT COMMENTS

NCDOT accepts comments throughout all phases of project development.  

All comments will be taken into consideration, and carry equal weight, regardless of submittal method.

To submit comments for consideration during the current phase of project development,

please submit before May 25, 2025.

The public is encouraged to leave comments using this webpage, email, or phone number:

Email: i26connector@publicinput.com

Phone Number:  855-925-2801    enter project code 11368 to leave a message

TITLE VI FEEDBACK

To ensure we’re hearing from a broad set of voices, would you be willing to share (completely anonymously) some information about yourself?

If so, please click here https://publicinput.com/NCDOT-Title-VI-Form

PROJECT CONTACT INFORMATION 

Nathan Moneyham

Division Construction Engineer

NCDOT Division 13

55 Orange St.

Asheville, NC 28801

PROJECT CONTACT INFORMATION 

Mike Merritt

Consultant Project Manager

RK&K

8601 Six Forks Rd. 

Forum 1, Ste. 700

Raleigh, NC 27615

RESOURCES FOR PROPERTY OWNERS 

Although the N.C. Department of Transportation works to minimize the number of homes and businesses displaced by a road project, it is inevitable, in many cases, that a certain amount of private property is needed. The following information explains right of way acquisition and answers questions about the process.  

     
Right-of-Way Brochure Single Page Layout      Folleto del Proceso de Adquisición de Bienes Raíces
Right-of-Way Frequently Asked Questions

Right of way Acquisition Process Videos

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