Old North News

The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) has announced a significant reduction in the estimated cost for the northern section of the Asheville I-26 Connector project. Through an Optimization and Refinement (O&R) process, conducted with Archer-Wright Joint Venture, the project cost has been reduced by $124 million to a new estimate of $1.023 billion.

Significant savings were achieved primarily in bridge construction, with over $63 million saved by decreasing the number and width of bridges across the French Broad River. Nathan Moneyham, NCDOT’s Division 13 construction engineer, stated, “The past six months have been a collaborative effort with our team at NCDOT and Archer-Wright JV. We are pleased with the outcome of the O&R process and look forward to finally making this project a reality for the people of Asheville and Buncombe County.”

Throughout the O&R period, both NCDOT and Archer-Wright JV focused on scope reductions, construction efficiencies, and innovations while maintaining essential functions of the project. Despite Hurricane Helene's impact on the region in September, efforts continued to keep the process on schedule. Moneyham emphasized its importance: “We knew it was important to continue and complete the O&R process on schedule.”

Archer-Wright JV is tasked with constructing a network extending from Haywood Road across the French Broad River to U.S. 19/23/70 near Broadway Street, including Riverside Drive from Hill Street to Broadway Street. Changes from initial plans include reduced impacts on Hill Street and Hillcrest community due to design alterations such as removing a proposed connection from I-240 to Patton Avenue.

This section of the I-26 Connector aims to improve vehicle, bicycle, and pedestrian access through downtown Asheville by diverting interstate traffic from Capt. Jeff Bowen bridges and creating safer interchanges with local roads.

Archer-Wright JV has commenced design plans and anticipates starting right-of-way acquisitions within 12 to 18 months, followed by construction soon after. Tim Anderson, Division 13 Engineer remarked, “This is an exciting next step for our community... This means there is no doubt this project is now happening.”

NCDOT will host a public meeting this spring for community members to discuss details about this project's northern section. The department intends to adhere to its original timeline with completion expected by 2031.