Eastbound lane closed at mile marker 48

One lane of eastbound Interstate 26 will be closed on Tuesday and a different section will be closed Wednesday in order for emergency slab repairs to be completed.

A contractor for the Department of Transportation will begin replacing a 12-foot by 32-foot section of pavement in the right lane near mile marker 48 — west of the U.S. 64 exit in Hendersonville — at 6:30 a.m. on December 13.

A separate emergency slab repair will close the right lane on Wednesday to repair a 12-foot by 30-foot slab near mile marker 45.

Significant traffic delays are expected and backups could extend five miles or more at times on Tuesday. Motorists are urged to seek alternate routes around the emergency construction. Construction should be completed in time for the Thursday morning commute.

The emergency repairs are necessary in order to prevent the current cracks from breaking off and developing into significant potholes. Transportation officials are taking the opportunity to remove and replace the slabs while temperatures remain above freezing prior to an increase in holiday travel starting next week.

A crew from NHM Constructors will remove the damaged sections, pour a special concrete mix known as “Rapid Set.” This mix reaches a high strength earlier than typical concrete, but needs warm air to maximize its benefits.

For real-time travel information, visit DriveNC.gov or follow NCDOT on Twitter.

Submitted by David Uchiyama/NCDOT