ASHEVILLE, NC — The North Carolina Department of Transportation marked a major milestone with a groundbreaking ceremony in Asheville for the Interstate 26 Connector, a long-anticipated project that will improve safety, reduce congestion, and enhance regional connectivity in western North Carolina.
Once complete, the project will connect I-26 south of Asheville with U.S. 19/23/70 north of the city, creating a continuous interstate connection between the mountains of western North Carolina and the Port of Charleston, S.C.
“This project has been a long time coming,” NCDOT Secretary Daniel Johnson said. “The I-26 Connector reflects years of planning, collaboration, and community input. When complete, it will improve how people and goods move through this corridor while better connecting Asheville’s communities and supporting future growth.”
The project will address long-standing congestion and safety concerns along the existing corridor, including the Bowen Bridges, where interstate and local traffic currently merge in a constrained configuration.
The I-26 Connector is divided into multiple sections, with construction now underway on both the North and South sections. The entire project is estimated at $1.8 billion and is paid for with state and federal funding. The overall project is expected to be completed in late 2031.
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In addition to improving traffic flow, the project includes significant multimodal enhancements designed to better connect neighborhoods and provide safer options for all users. Planned improvements include new and upgraded interchanges, bridge construction, multi-use paths, and enhanced pedestrian and bicycle connections linking key corridors and neighborhoods.
