By Dee Pridgen for (828newsNOW)
ASHEVILLE, N.C. — A change is coming to the traffic pattern on Interstate 40 East in Asheville on Friday (05/09), weather permitting.
The contractor will adjust striping on I-40 East between mile markers 44 (Patton Avenue/Smokey Park Highway) and 46A (I-26 East). Crews will also install concrete safety barriers, closing the right lane between these exits.
Three through lanes will remain open, and access to Exit 44 will be maintained during this phase of construction.
This work will allow crews to begin widening and rehabilitating this stretch of I-40. Once the outside lanes are built and repaired, traffic will be shifted to allow repairs to the inside lanes.
The traffic configuration is expected to remain in place for about 18 months, with additional shifts to follow.
The work is part of the southern section of the I-26 Connector project, which runs from the Smokey Park Highway interchange on I-40 to the I-26 interchange. This portion of the project falls under sections AA and AB.
Drivers are urged to slow down in the work zone, stay alert and follow posted signs.