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HENDERSONVILLE – A contractor for the N.C. Department of Transportation will utilize overnight closures of Interstate 26 this week to safely conduct a variety of operations in Henderson County.

On Monday and Tuesday nights, I-26 West from U.S. 25 Business (Exit 44) to Airport Road (Exit 40) will close no earlier than 8 p.m. and open again by 6 a.m. so crews can set safety barrier and begin building new entrance and exit ramps to the rest area. 

The marked detour will direct drivers on U.S. 25 Business (Hendersonville Road) north to Airport Road (N.C. 280) to rejoin I-26. The detour will include longer green lights to accommodate additional traffic from the interstate. 

On Wednesday and Thursday nights, I-26 East from U.S. 25 Business (Exit 44) to Upward Road (Exit 53) will close no earlier than 8 p.m. and reopen by 6 a.m. so crews can repair a bridge expansion joint in the bridge over a railroad. 

The marked detour will direct drivers on U.S. 25 Business (Asheville Highway) through Hendersonville to U.S. 176 and then Upward Road to rejoin I-26. This detour will also include longer green lights to accommodate additional traffic.

These operations are part of the I-26 Widening project which will reduce congestion and improve travel times upon completion. The Henderson County portion of the widening work remains on schedule for completion in the fall of 2024. 

Drivers should remain alert, avoid distractions and obey all posted signs in the work zone.

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

Submitted by David Uchiyama,NCDOT