I was on this directionally challenged highway last weekend. (My brother and I used it as an end-around Bristol traffic and to go to Carowinds near Charlotte. As an aside, Carowinds straddles the NC/SC border! :wow:)
We stayed west of Asheville near Canton, NC and went up to the track via I-26 to US 321 near Johnson City, TN. On the way to Carowinds, we went exit 66 (I think) where US 74 breaks off I-26.
My question is this. I noticed that I-26 was still signed as "FUTURE I-26" from where it left I-240 pretty much to the Tennessee border. Does anybody know when the necessary upgrades will be done so that the "FUTURE" tag is removed from that section of the route?
According to NCDOT's project website (http://www.ncdot.gov/projects/I26Connector/), we're still looking at close to 10 years...
Thanks for getting back to me so quickly.
One interesting thing that I saw after glancing at some of the Public Hearing maps is that they ALL labeled I-26 as North-South! :pan:
Is I-26 signed East-West or North-South? Because it actually runs more north-south than E-W.
Quote from: Chris on August 30, 2009, 05:33:10 AM
Is I-26 signed East-West or North-South? Because it actually runs more north-south than E-W.
As all even numbered 2-di's are it is signed East-West. I-40 in NC and (Future) I-74 have significant North-South running as well. Plus, when I-85 (signed North-South) enters the state it is running essentially east-west.
Hmmm okay. Maybe I-26 wasn't the perfect number, but it's not like there are a lot of odd numbers to spare in that region.
I-26 ends 150 miles east of it's terminus, but also 260 miles south of it's terminus, so it indeed runs more north-south than east-west, unlike I-40 and I-85 which only partially run in the n/s or e/w direction.
The problem is the Appalachians and associated foothills don't exactly allow for a smooth east-west or north-south alignment. Hence why I-26 essentially runs NW-SE and other routes like I-81 run SW-NE.
It is important to remember that I-26 originally ended at Asheville, which makes the E-W numbering more appropriate. Politics made them renumber what should have been an ordinary upgrade to US 23 to an I number. NC, IMHO, is the world's worst for mucking up the interstate numbering system. There is such a thing as a good US highway.
As to to OP's comment on Carowinds the border being inside the park was originally part of the theme. It was independently owned and featured rides that were themed after different parts of the two states. After the builders lost control it has been owned by a succession of chains that have genercized the place. Even when it openned in 1973, its named were probably non-PC even for that day. These included Plantantion Square, Pirate Island, Indian Thicket, Country Crossroads and Queens Colony. Although of late some of the Carolina themes have returned.
I have no idea how NC and SC split up the taxes, regulations, and such. Probably have some sort of agreement.
They could always have extended I-181 south to Asheville instead of extending I-26 north (to US 11W instead of its logical end point the next exit north at US 23 and TN 36.)
Quote from: hbelkins on August 30, 2009, 10:17:55 PM
They could always have extended I-181 south to Asheville instead of extending I-26 north (to US 11W instead of its logical end point the next exit north at US 23 and TN 36.)
They'd have never done that. It would have made too much sense. :pan: :banghead:
Quote from: mightyace on August 29, 2009, 10:05:32 PM
I was on this directionally challenged highway last weekend. (My brother and I used it as an end-around Bristol traffic and to go to Carowinds near Charlotte. As an aside, Carowinds straddles the NC/SC border! :wow:)
We stayed west of Asheville near Canton, NC and went up to the track via I-26 to US 321 near Johnson City, TN. On the way to Carowinds, we went exit 66 (I think) where US 74 breaks off I-26.
My question is this. I noticed that I-26 was still signed as "FUTURE I-26" from where it left I-240 pretty much to the Tennessee border. Does anybody know when the necessary upgrades will be done so that the "FUTURE" tag is removed from that section of the route?
Did you say "Johnson City"? If so, I live in Johnson City (Well not exactly 12 mi. I think)
Quote from: Chris on August 30, 2009, 05:33:10 AM
Is I-26 signed East-West or North-South? Because it actually runs more north-south than E-W.
It's true. It works in Michigan. See I-69 East of Lansing.
There's a lot of Interstates that could be signed in different directions, especially when you split each route into states. I-81 in TN is E-W, for instance, as are I-85 in SC and I-95 in CT (I-84 in CT is more N-S!)
However, when you include the whole route, I-26 (even before the extension north of Asheville) and I-82 are the only Interstates that are more suited as odd rather than even. Some routes are going to be diagonal (I-71 is a perfect example, and I-85 and I-81 are other good ones), which doesn't suit a grid easily, but there's only a couple that are the wrong way round.
I-26 is good as I-26, as it removes the need to take a N-S number that isn't spare anyway. I-82 is less good - I can see why it was numbered that, and there were spaces, due to I-15W (I-86 West) and I-80N (I-84 West) saving two numbers in the 80-90 range, with the addition of there not being I-88 (now there's two) or I-86 (now there's two, and CT's rather N-S one wasn't built).
Quote from: SP Cook on August 30, 2009, 09:55:41 AM
It is important to remember that I-26 originally ended at Asheville, which makes the E-W numbering more appropriate. Politics made them renumber what should have been an ordinary upgrade to US 23 to an I number. NC, IMHO, is the world's worst for mucking up the interstate numbering system. There is such a thing as a good US highway.
As to to OP's comment on Carowinds the border being inside the park was originally part of the theme. It was independently owned and featured rides that were themed after different parts of the two states. After the builders lost control it has been owned by a succession of chains that have genercized the place. Even when it openned in 1973, its named were probably non-PC even for that day. These included Plantantion Square, Pirate Island, Indian Thicket, Country Crossroads and Queens Colony. Although of late some of the Carolina themes have returned.
I have no idea how NC and SC split up the taxes, regulations, and such. Probably have some sort of agreement.
I've noticed that. Never understood why North Carolina needed I-26 to go north-south out of Asheville, and why they needed I-73 and I-74. It, to me, is a bit bizarre. US highways are just as good, IMHO, to use as freeway routes. Other states use US routes for freeways all the time (Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin).
As for Carowinds, I would suspect the theming to return as the new owners (Cedar Fair) aren't as interested in branding every park they own (as opposed to Paramont or Six Flags).
Quote from: english si on November 16, 2009, 01:11:32 PM
There's a lot of Interstates that could be signed in different directions, especially when you split each route into states. I-81 in TN is E-W, for instance, as are I-85 in SC and I-95 in CT (I-84 in CT is more N-S!)
However, when you include the whole route, I-26 (even before the extension north of Asheville) and I-82 are the only Interstates that are more suited as odd rather than even. Some routes are going to be diagonal (I-71 is a perfect example, and I-85 and I-81 are other good ones), which doesn't suit a grid easily, but there's only a couple that are the wrong way round.
I-26 is good as I-26, as it removes the need to take a N-S number that isn't spare anyway. I-82 is less good - I can see why it was numbered that, and there were spaces, due to I-15W (I-86 West) and I-80N (I-84 West) saving two numbers in the 80-90 range, with the addition of there not being I-88 (now there's two) or I-86 (now there's two, and CT's rather N-S one wasn't built).
I-84 is more E-W in Connecticut. I travel on it a lot, and it goes WSW-ESE.
Quote from: Brandon on November 16, 2009, 01:19:08 PM
I've noticed that. Never understood why North Carolina needed I-26 to go north-south out of Asheville, and why they needed I-73 and I-74. It, to me, is a bit bizarre. US highways are just as good, IMHO, to use as freeway routes. Other states use US routes for freeways all the time (Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin).
Although North Carolina is not entirely blameless, it gets more blame than it deserves for these numerical anomalies. It was really Tennessee that wanted the interstate connection between Asheville and upper East Tennessee, and in particular it was Tennessee that pushed to have all of I-181 renumbered as I-26, creating the "stub end" of I-26 at Kingsport. As for I-73/74, those numbers were specified by Congress in the ISTEA legislation in 1991. Yes, NC wanted the interstate highways, but it would have been equally happy with other numbers.
As far as NC is concerned, I-73 and I-74 are not in any sense bizarre as interstate highways; they are very important highways that have high priority for the state. NC has long freeway segments on US highways as well, including US 1, US 321, and US 421.
Reviving this thread with some North Carolina construction updates since I-26 never gets mentioned for anything other than wHy iSn't it nUmBerED NoRTh/sOUth?! I will slap anyone who brings it up again. :pan:
After five years of construction on a one mile widening and interchange project at Brevard Rd (Exit 33) in Asheville, traffic in both directions has been moved to the new inside lanes and the concrete should be poured for the final lanes soon. The last I saw, they're aiming to be finished "by the end of the year." The completion date in the contract was August 2019.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51334603774_d7321250f5_z.jpg)
A new interchange and connector is being proposed to connect I-26 to N.C. 191 and the Pratt & Whitney facility that is being constructed in Buncombe County (proposed Exit 35).
I-26 Flying to the Future (https://connect.ncdot.gov/resources/RAISE2021-i26/Pages/default.aspx)
Several overpasses are finished and lane shifts are beginning on the I-26 widening projects southeast of Asheville. I-26 is being widened to eight lanes from N.C. 191 (Exit 33) to U.S. 25 (Exit 44), and to six lanes from there to U.S. 64 (Exit 49). The remainder of the widening to U.S. 25 (Exit 54) is unfunded. Both projects under construction should be finished by 2024.
Below is one of dozens of retaining walls being built as part of the projects. No idea when the replacement of the Blue Ridge Parkway bridge will start.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51333936931_3ba1d72243_c.jpg)
Work should begin next month on the project to rehabilitate the Peter Guice Memorial Bridge(s) across the Green River in Henderson County (MM 56). The superstructure will be rebuilt and the bridge decks connected. Below are the construction and demolition stages.
(https://media.giphy.com/media/0nqPrVlL51W45CxoVS/giphy.gif)
A project to repair and replace the failing drainage system on I-26 at Howard Gap in Polk County (MM 63-64) has been delayed after the only bid received for the project was rejected due to being 159% over the estimated cost. The project should be available again in October.
A very informative report for those of us who haven't driven this road in years. Thanks!
When the bridge replacement happens, I believe they will temporarily close the BRP between NC 191 to the west and U.S. 25 to the east as there is no access roads between those locations.
The plans showed a BRP replacent bridge about 30 feet south of the existing structure
Correct, the replacement bridge will be on new location, and it looks like the parkway will remain open during construction with limited closures. However, the National Park Service has some stringent requirements. Excerpts from the
project proposal (https://xfer.services.ncdot.gov/dsplan/2019%20Highway%20Letting/07-16-19/Plans%20and%20Proposals/BUNCOMBE_36030.3.4_I_4700_C204266/Project%20Proposal__7-12-2019.pdf):
Quote
NCDOT, NPS, and FHWA-EFL will coordinate to ensure, to the extent possible, that temporary or nighttime closures necessary for construction of the Blue Ridge Parkway realignment and bridge replacement over I-26 will only be permitted from November 1 until April 31 and not during summer months.
Prepare load rating calculations using Load and Resistance Factor Rating (LRFR) for all existing bridges on the Blue Ridge Parkway along the planned route for transporting equipment and materials. Check the adequacy of the existing bridges based on the Inventory Level load rating for the Strength and Service Limit States. Submit load rating calculations that are signed and sealed by a Professional Engineer registered in the State of North Carolina.
Space loaded hauling vehicles at 500 feet minimum intervals, and do not allow more than one (1) loaded hauling vehicle at a time on a bridge on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
An access road construction plan for the Blue Ridge Parkway access road shall be submitted for review and approval by the Engineer.
No hauling or deliveries allowed on the Blue Ridge Parkway during commuter periods, Monday through Friday, from 7:00 am to 9:00 am and 4:00 pm — 6:00 pm. Outside of the commuter periods, no more than 2 haul or delivery round trips will be allowed in a single hour on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Install traffic control for the Blue Ridge Parkway as shown on the plans. No lane closures or daytime deliveries during the month of October.
Use single lane closures with flaggers on the Blue Ridge Parkway and as shown in the plans. Open roadway within 24 hours after completion of work or as directed by Engineer.
Limit construction-caused delays to public traffic along the Blue Ridge Parkway to a maximum of 15 minutes per passage through a lane closure.
Limit lane closures to 2,500 feet unless otherwise approved by the Engineer. If short-duration Blue Ridge Parkway closure is required for delivery of large items, i.e. pre-cast segments, the contractor will submit a proposed schedule no less than 2 weeks in advance for review and approval by Engineer. Closures will not be allowed during commuter periods, are to be scheduled and prosecuted to minimize duration and are to include public notifications with variable message boards.
An on-site precast plant may be utilized provided it meets all applicable requirements contained in these contract documents.
Do not stage materials or equipment in areas that are not mowed regularly throughout the growing season unless prior approval from the Engineer is obtained. Only close half the overlook at a time when using overlooks as staging areas.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48475655171_1f9b851fa3_c.jpg) (https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48475655171_1f9b851fa3_b.jpg)
Definitely a less ugly design for that new Blue Ridge Parkway bridge over the freeway, if that plan is anything to go off of.
NCDOT is planning a new interchange on I-26 about 6 miles south of Asheville, to be Exit 35, to better connect NC 191 with the interstate. They have set up a public comment website with maps and alternative design concepts (and a video some time in the future) at: https://www.publicinput.com/I26-exit35-buncombe
SC Governor Henry McMaster will be using federal funds to accelerate widening I-26 between Columbia and Charleston.
https://www.wistv.com//app/2021/09/02/mcmaster-expected-make-major-infrastructure-announcement-thursday/
The first project will start next year from SC 27 near Ridgeville to Jedburg Rd near Summerville. I wish they would start on the Columbia end first, since there are hills just east of where the current 6-lane section ends that really tend to slow down the truck traffic. But they are saying either way that the whole thing will be done in 10 years.
Quote from: bob7374 on September 03, 2021, 11:35:57 AM
NCDOT is planning a new interchange on I-26 about 6 miles south of Asheville, to be Exit 35, to better connect NC 191 with the interstate. They have set up a public comment website with maps and alternative design concepts (and a video some time in the future) at: https://www.publicinput.com/I26-exit35-buncombe
Alternatives 1 and 3 need to be eliminated. Those left entrances / exits north/westbound :no: :no:
Yes, it would cost $10-15 million more, however, that left merging situation is going to cause more issues than help. Especially on an 8 lane interstate highway.
Quote from: wriddle082 on September 03, 2021, 12:10:09 PM
SC Governor Henry McMaster will be using federal funds to accelerate widening I-26 between Columbia and Charleston.
https://www.wistv.com//app/2021/09/02/mcmaster-expected-make-major-infrastructure-announcement-thursday/
The first project will start next year from SC 27 near Ridgeville to Jedburg Rd near Summerville. I wish they would start on the Columbia end first, since there are hills just east of where the current 6-lane section ends that really tend to slow down the truck traffic. But they are saying either way that the whole thing will be done in 10 years.
For the record, I don't believe this would widen the entire interstate from Columbia to Charleston. It would complete two 15 mile segments, which if going from the Charleston end, would complete 6 lanes at least through I-95.
Next, they need to get on a complete reconfiguration of the I-95 / I-26 interchange (flyovers between I-95N -> I-26W and I-95S -> I-26E) and widening I-95 to 6 lanes between I-26 and Georgia.
Quote from: sprjus4 on September 03, 2021, 12:54:50 PM
Quote from: wriddle082 on September 03, 2021, 12:10:09 PM
SC Governor Henry McMaster will be using federal funds to accelerate widening I-26 between Columbia and Charleston.
https://www.wistv.com//app/2021/09/02/mcmaster-expected-make-major-infrastructure-announcement-thursday/
The first project will start next year from SC 27 near Ridgeville to Jedburg Rd near Summerville. I wish they would start on the Columbia end first, since there are hills just east of where the current 6-lane section ends that really tend to slow down the truck traffic. But they are saying either way that the whole thing will be done in 10 years.
For the record, I don't believe this would widen the entire interstate from Columbia to Charleston. It would complete two 15 mile segments, which if going from the Charleston end, would complete 6 lanes at least through I-95.
Next, they need to get on a complete reconfiguration of the I-95 / I-26 interchange (flyovers between I-95N -> I-26W and I-95S -> I-26E) and widening I-95 to 6 lanes between I-26 and Georgia.
The governor has stated as recently as a couple of years ago that he wants all of it from Columbia to Charleston widened. Other articles I have read on the matter state that it's all getting done within 10 years, including a rebuild of the 95 interchange. Supposedly the first stretch I mentioned above will go out to bid next year, and other sections will go out to bid each year afterwards until it's all being worked on and eventually all finished in 10 years. So I'm assuming the next stretch to go out for bid in 2023 will be on the Columbia end, then in 2024 on the Charleston end, and so on. Most of these sections have already had most of the median foliage removed, and don't have very many water crossings to rebuild or widen. So the overall cost won't be as bad as one might think. They are going to rebuild as many overpasses as necessary, but those don't affect traffic flow along the mainline as much as widening the mainline bridges, which are not nearly as abundant. I can only think of one exit where the mainline goes over (SC 33 at Orangeburg).
Quote from: sprjus4 on September 03, 2021, 12:48:19 PM
Quote from: bob7374 on September 03, 2021, 11:35:57 AM
NCDOT is planning a new interchange on I-26 about 6 miles south of Asheville, to be Exit 35, to better connect NC 191 with the interstate. They have set up a public comment website with maps and alternative design concepts (and a video some time in the future) at: https://www.publicinput.com/I26-exit35-buncombe
Alternatives 1 and 3 need to be eliminated. Those left entrances / exits north/westbound :no: :no:
Yes, it would cost $10-15 million more, however, that left merging situation is going to cause more issues than help. Especially on an 8 lane interstate highway.
And on a 4% grade through curves. The approaching side is 5%, and they'll have to eliminate the truck lane restrictions so they can exit. Sounds like a recipe for a cluster.
Regarding the Columbia to Charleston widening, I'm assuming the federal funding will accelerate and fund the projects that are already in the works, potentially freeing up state funding to move forward with widening additional sections?
Quote from: cowboy_wilhelm on September 04, 2021, 08:59:46 AM
Regarding the Columbia to Charleston widening, I'm assuming the federal funding will accelerate and fund the projects that are already in the works, potentially freeing up state funding to move forward with widening additional sections?
Hopefully... the remaining piece of I-26 to Columbia, and I-95 would be nice to see some progress in the decade, even if towards the end.
Quote from: cowboy_wilhelm on July 25, 2021, 09:40:56 AM
Reviving this thread with some North Carolina construction updates since I-26 never gets mentioned for anything other than wHy iSn't it nUmBerED NoRTh/sOUth?! I will slap anyone who brings it up again. :pan:
After five years of construction on a one mile widening and interchange project at Brevard Rd (Exit 33) in Asheville, traffic in both directions has been moved to the new inside lanes and the concrete should be poured for the final lanes soon. The last I saw, they're aiming to be finished "by the end of the year." The completion date in the contract was August 2019.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51334603774_d7321250f5_z.jpg)
A new interchange and connector is being proposed to connect I-26 to N.C. 191 and the Pratt & Whitney facility that is being constructed in Buncombe County (proposed Exit 35).
I-26 Flying to the Future (https://connect.ncdot.gov/resources/RAISE2021-i26/Pages/default.aspx)
Several overpasses are finished and lane shifts are beginning on the I-26 widening projects southeast of Asheville. I-26 is being widened to eight lanes from N.C. 191 (Exit 33) to U.S. 25 (Exit 44), and to six lanes from there to U.S. 64 (Exit 49). The remainder of the widening to U.S. 25 (Exit 54) is unfunded. Both projects under construction should be finished by 2024.
Below is one of dozens of retaining walls being built as part of the projects. No idea when the replacement of the Blue Ridge Parkway bridge will start.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51333936931_3ba1d72243_c.jpg)
Work should begin next month on the project to rehabilitate the Peter Guice Memorial Bridge(s) across the Green River in Henderson County (MM 56). The superstructure will be rebuilt and the bridge decks connected. Below are the construction and demolition stages.
(https://media.giphy.com/media/0nqPrVlL51W45CxoVS/giphy.gif)
A project to repair and replace the failing drainage system on I-26 at Howard Gap in Polk County (MM 63-64) has been delayed after the only bid received for the project was rejected due to being 159% over the estimated cost. The project should be available again in October.
Is this construction on I-26 or Future I-26?
I-26.
Quote from: cowboy_wilhelm on September 04, 2021, 08:54:54 AM
Quote from: sprjus4 on September 03, 2021, 12:48:19 PM
Quote from: bob7374 on September 03, 2021, 11:35:57 AM
NCDOT is planning a new interchange on I-26 about 6 miles south of Asheville, to be Exit 35, to better connect NC 191 with the interstate. They have set up a public comment website with maps and alternative design concepts (and a video some time in the future) at: https://www.publicinput.com/I26-exit35-buncombe
Alternatives 1 and 3 need to be eliminated. Those left entrances / exits north/westbound :no: :no:
Yes, it would cost $10-15 million more, however, that left merging situation is going to cause more issues than help. Especially on an 8 lane interstate highway.
And on a 4% grade through curves. The approaching side is 5%, and they'll have to eliminate the truck lane restrictions so they can exit. Sounds like a recipe for a cluster.
I don't understand why there's not a scheme that combines the reduced cost and footprint of Concept 3 with the all-right ramps of Concept 2. :confused:
I also don't understand the use of traffic signals. To me, it appears that a single roundabout would be preferable.
I'm assuming they're trying to minimize the footprint as much as possible due to the terrain and trying not to take any more land from the Biltmore Estate ("historic property") than necessary (although it was the owners of the Biltmore Estate [Cecils] who sold the land where the Pratt & Whitney facility is being constructed and warranting this interchange, but I digress...). Exiting on the right will require some decent cut slopes. A roundabout would add to that footprint, plus the cost of the additional overpass. Still, that left exit looks like a disaster.
This is the location of the proposed interchange. Not exactly an ideal spot. I think they'd be better off funding improvements to N.C. 191 and avoiding this mess. There are already exits at 33 and 37, so it's not like this area is completely isolated and miles away from an interchange.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51436573053_3c92681ce0_c.jpg)
The Green River bridges rehab project is getting under way. The press release mentions adding future travel lanes. This would require three foot inside and outside shoulders. Are shoulder exceptions still granted for structures longer than x feet? Green River is approximately 1050 ft. Additionally, the design speed is 50 mph for the two curves approaching the structure from either side, per the roadway plans (https://xfer.services.ncdot.gov/dsplan/2021%20Highway%20Letting/03-16-21/Plans%20and%20Proposals/Henderson%2015BPR20%20C204202%20Eight%20Week%20Ad/Standard%20PDF%20Files/100%20Roadway%20Plans.pdf). There is a 50 mph advisory sign (https://goo.gl/maps/hVeBkGFkG7k7Vgbw5) on the eastbound side west of the bridge. Would NCDOT also have to receive an exception to widen the mainline with those design speeds in the curves? There are no plans for widening that section, but I could see a westbound truck lane in the future (not sure why there isn't one already).
Green River Bridges Rehabilitation Starting Soon (https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2021/2021-10-08-green-river-bridges-rehabilitation.aspx)
I-26 widening update south of Asheville, thanks to NCDOT CCTV. We'll go from east to west, starting at the I-40 interchange.
Exits 31-33
The widening at the N.C. 191 and interchange modification is mostly complete. It doesn't show up in the Construction Progress Report any more, but I don't think it's at 100% yet.
I-26 appears to be in a "temporarily permanent" 2 + auxiliary lane configuration between exits 31 and 33. It makes sense eastbound due to the separate and ongoing widening project to the east, but I figured they would have gone ahead and opened all of the westbound lanes approaching I-40.
MM 31
Facing west, eastbound lanes back up before the opening of the auxiliary lane. Traffic from I-40 eastbound frequently backs up on the single lane ramp.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51794600744_2831bfe523_o.jpg)
Facing east. The pavement markings look like they're intended to be there for a while. The eastbound auxiliary lane exits for I-40 eastbound, and westbound exits at Brevard Rd.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51794354128_a524b181ce_o.jpg)
MM 33 (westbound)
This cam has been down for about six weeks and I don't believe it shows the current lane configuration.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51794605004_3e238c1b1f_o.jpg)
Exits 33-37
A westbound lane shift was supposed to have already happened along this section. There was an announcement a year ago that it would occur during the summer of 2021, but it never happened. Eastbound lanes were recently shifted to the shoulder, so it's probably not too far off. Unfortunately, I don't know the progress of the Blue Ridge Parkway bridge.
MM 33 (eastbound)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51794358358_f6ec35dd51_z.jpg)
MM 34
Eastbound lanes were shifted towards the shoulder a couple of weeks ago.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51794610369_257dcd2237_z.jpg)
The Pratt & Whitney facility that is under construction can be seen on the hill in the background. This is the reason for the proposed exit and access road at MM 35.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51794364483_08e49ee28b_z.jpg)
MM 35
The French Broad River bridge is just out of view. There are numerous retaining walls (https://goo.gl/maps/sr8X1JBLGM6obfd16) along this section.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51794367688_943bb2e803_o.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51794980870_033fcd1fff_c.jpg)
MM 36
Tiny picture at the Blue Ridge Parkway. Street View (https://goo.gl/maps/fEhY8qsMt5kSa4MH9) is better.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51794247356_97386143f0_n.jpg)
MM 37 (westbound)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51794616509_664bd32c99_z.jpg)
Exits 37-40
A longer traffic shift has taken place between Long Shoals Rd. and Airport Rd. Westbound lanes are now on the eastbound side, including a completely new section constructed in the median that will carry the future eastbound lanes. The westbound lanes are currently being torn out and rebuilt. The future eastbound bridge over Glenn Bridge Rd. is complete and carrying westbound lanes while the westbound side is under construction.
MM 37 (eastbound)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51794371293_7522b4da25_z.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51794369898_f3e125ce48_z.jpg)
MM 38.5
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51794373168_d9fb1d3876_c.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51794986120_fa688d9b4c_c.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51793303797_8075f1b6c0_c.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51794253691_74a21940b1_c.jpg)
MM 39
The new eastbound lanes are carrying the westbound lanes at Glenn Bridge Rd.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51794254251_cde2bff800_c.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51794623049_4e9f8934f6_c.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51794623874_f3c4020e30_c.jpg)
MM 40 (westbound)
The combination of the curve, crest of the hill, and merging on-ramp with a lot of traffic from Airport Rd. has turned this spot into a location of frequent slow-downs. Hopefully that improves after the widening.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51794257411_8204e24198_z.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51794991330_0848c0465c_z.jpg)
Exits 40-44
Now it's time for the eastbound lanes to shift to the westbound side.
MM 40 (eastbound)
Rolling road block.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51794258286_5972d21f72_z.jpg)
The eastbound rest area should be close to completion if landscaping is going in. Westbound is a little further behind.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51794629344_1b093cd890_c.jpg)
New concrete.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51794996310_c1f7e6c636_c.jpg)
I'm not sure if it's exaggerated due to the zoom, but this seems more like a chicane than a traffic shift.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51793313692_3702a41a42_c.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51794265926_b27668e475_c.jpg)
MM 44 (westbound)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51795001010_40305b674d_z.jpg)
Exits 44-49
Work seems to be progressing at a slower rate along this section, or maybe it's less obvious. All of the replacement overpasses have been finished. Median drainage is going in. Exit 44 is being converted to a Diverging Diamond Interchange. Not much has happened beyond the on and off-ramps.
Westbound, slowdowns tend to start at the U.S. 25 interchange (Exit 44). The westbound ramp is being shifted over to eliminate the ridiculous grade, curve and curb (https://goo.gl/maps/ixsYV1UWW6wSiYyv9). Eastbound, this is where the widening goes from eight lanes to six lanes. This should be interesting in the future since traffic volumes don't decrease much after Exit 44 (they were actually slightly higher in 2019 and 2020, but maybe that was due to construction). However, congestion seems to be less frequent east of Exit 44 than the section near the airport. I think they should be widening I-26 to eight lanes to Exit 54 instead of the "hybrid 6/8" alternative they selected, and expanded the scope of the project to widen I-26 to six lanes through the Green River Gorge. Oh well....
Interestingly, the bridge over Clear Creek (https://xfer.services.ncdot.gov/dsplan/2019%20Highway%20Letting/09-17-19/Plans%20and%20Proposals/I-4400BB_C_Henderson/I-4400BB/Individual%20Files/400%20Structure%20Plans%20-%20Bridges/402_017_I4400BB_SMU_PC03_009_440211.pdf) is being built wide enough to accommodate eight lanes, but the bridge over the Blue Ridge Southern Railroad (https://xfer.services.ncdot.gov/dsplan/2019%20Highway%20Letting/09-17-19/Plans%20and%20Proposals/I-4400BB_C_Henderson/I-4400C/Individual%20Files/400%20Structure%20Plans%20-%20Bridges/401_017_I4400C_SMU_PC03_009_440228.pdf) isn't. Additionally, there are westbound retaining walls on both sides of the Clear Creek Bridge and there is only a 14-foot shoulder (https://xfer.services.ncdot.gov/dsplan/2019%20Highway%20Letting/09-17-19/Plans%20and%20Proposals/I-4400BB_C_Henderson/I-4400BB/Individual%20Files/100%20Roadway%20Plans/100_435_I4400BB_RDY_PSH07-085.pdf) between the outside lane and walls, so there isn't room for an additional lane anyway. I can't figure that one out.
Exit 44 (eastbound)
Widening off-ramp.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51795001330_dfd8f63eba_z.jpg)
Not much has happened over the past month or so with the bridge over the Blue Ridge Southern Railroad.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51793320687_63a7fe1608_z.jpg)
MM 45.5
New drainage going in the median.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51795005810_7a1ca09aa2_c.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51795005970_7ddf916b15_c.jpg)
It's a good thing the ramps to the weigh stations are being extended. Truck traffic has increased significantly over the past decade.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51794271741_aaf1beb5bf_c.jpg)
MM 47.5
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51794395733_42ea679a25_c.jpg)
There is apparently a bunch of rock in the area near MM 47.5. They have been drilling and breaking up rocks for more than a year.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51794396428_1b113be3f0_o.jpg)
They were even blasting in the median.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51795009925_b508b9b8c1_c.jpg)
Bat Cave remains signed for now... it will eventually be replaced with 'Chimney Rock Rd'. Lame.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51794642144_7018951cd1_c.jpg)
Alternative 3 has been chosen for this new interchange. It's being favored due to the least environmental impacts. Construction is expected to start in spring 2023.
https://www.citizen-times.com/story/news/local/2022/02/21/north-carolina-dot-chooses-option-new-interstate-26-interchange/6842651001/
https://www.ncdot.gov/news/public-meetings/Documents/HE-0001-public-meeting-map-3.pdf
That is such a poor decision given the left exit / entrance ramps :no:
Quote from: sprjus4 on February 21, 2022, 11:03:39 AM
That is such a poor decision given the left exit / entrance ramps :no:
I totally agree. I think alternative 2 should have been chosen which didn't have the left exit / entrance ramps, also the ramps were longer, allowing more distance to speed up and slow down. Which was this: https://www.ncdot.gov/news/public-meetings/Documents/HE-0001-public-meeting-map-2.pdf
Yep. That section was already bad enough to warrant a truck lane restriction (https://goo.gl/maps/rcTRoKLJm1v2G1a46). Now it will be a free-for-all with tractor-trailers doot-dooting across four lanes at 50 mph on the grade to make the left exit.
How common are newly constructed left exits these days, excluding managed/express/toll lanes? Really surprised a new interchange like this could still be approved.
^ I'm not aware of any, especially on a busy highway such as I-26.
This should not be allowed. There's many safety problems and surely does not meet modern standards. Especially on a high volume 8 lane urban interstate highway.
definitely worse than I-95 between Fayetteville and Kenly (parts of it which is from Eastover to Benson is getting rebuilt and widened).
Quote from: sprjus4 on February 21, 2022, 11:03:39 AM
That is such a poor decision given the left exit / entrance ramps :no:
I agree. They are making a big mistake on this preferred interchange choice...
Quote from: Great Lakes Roads on February 22, 2022, 12:03:01 AM
Quote from: sprjus4 on February 21, 2022, 11:03:39 AM
That is such a poor decision given the left exit / entrance ramps :no:
I agree. They are making a big mistake on this preferred interchange choice...
If it were up to me, I would have chosen alternative 2, or don't build an interchange at all. That's my opinion. Left exits must go! :banghead:
More news about the interchange selected. Just another death trap for merge-on accidents.
https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2022/2022-02-23-new-i-26-interchange-design.aspx
NCDOT announces project to replace bridge on 'Future I-26' north of Asheville:
https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2023/2023-03-10-future-i-26-bridge-reems-creek.aspx (https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2023/2023-03-10-future-i-26-bridge-reems-creek.aspx)
Construction continues or is beginning for 26 miles of I-26 southeast of Asheville. The widening progresses between Asheville and Hendersonville, the Green River bridges have been connected, and pavement rehab is about to begin for six miles near the South Carolina line.
The Buncombe County section of the widening project is at 61.2% completion as of the beginning of March. The completion date is still scheduled for August 2024, but I am not holding my breath. The Henderson County portion is reported at 63.5% complete as of March. It is still estimated for all lanes to be open by the end of 2024.
Westbound I-26 is now four lanes from MM 33 to the I-40/I-240 interchange. Eastbound has two lanes plus the auxiliary lane from I-40 to Exit 33/Brevard Rd. East of the interchange, both directions of travel will shift onto the newly constructed westbound lanes to Airport Rd. later this spring to allow for reconstruction of the eastbound lanes.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52802759658_91fe46454a_b.jpg) (https://goo.gl/maps/io9Jeg2SdjqtQBKd7)
The Blue Ridge Parkway bridge is close to the half-way point. Construction will continue on the other side of the bridge once I-26 traffic shifts onto the new westbound lanes.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52802759683_58fef9790d_b.jpg) (https://goo.gl/maps/356XmJqAPV6w9Ewc8)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52802707980_717f5773a1_b.jpg) (https://goo.gl/maps/gRUh2YTR3TPZD8cJ8)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52802792943_96279ebf64_o.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52802344416_3d500307c4_o.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52802335676_41770e6d09_o.jpg)
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(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52802597299_3faea807d9_o.jpg)
The new westbound rest area will close for about a month (https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2023/2023-04-06-i-26-west-rest-area.aspx) while the permanent entrance and exit ramps are constructed.
First time seeing this style of noise wall.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52802707740_7708a5c6ac_b.jpg) (https://goo.gl/maps/kPPUXJuQh3vd9tAi9)
The Green River Bridge rehabilitation and widening is now two years in, with progress at 52.14% as of late March and a December 2024 completion. Both structures are now tied together. The new bridge deck in the median was still being poured as of February 2023 per GSV (https://goo.gl/maps/phfX621EZXoea2AF7). The intermediate contract window for narrowing westbound traffic to one lane was supposed to be December 1, 2022 to May 20, 2023, but it looks like that will not be happening. Either they will delay work or have this occur during the busy summer and/or fall.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52802561214_7e6b52c379_b.jpg) (https://goo.gl/maps/9JhP9rcNEyntoFcd8)
The drainage project at Howard Gap is also around the half-way point, with a March 2024 completion. New pipes have been bored under the highway, with additional upgrades to other piping and ditches and the addition of five forebays to catch and slow runoff. Lane closures in both directions were included in the plans and have not occurred yet. Hopefully that does not occur over the summer, but it's looking like it.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52802707785_220d105fe8_b.jpg) (https://goo.gl/maps/d2ZmqCf99if1nUoB8)
A pavement rehab project was let in March 2023 for MM 65 to the South Carolina state line, with work beginning in May. Bridge rehab. is included over the N. Pacolet River and Hunting Country Rd., requiring lane closures Monday-Thursday.
^ I am also not holding my breath about the widening being finished on time. It's a complicated stretch of roadway with all of the carriageway elevation differences and the BRP overpass. It will be an absolute pleasure when this long overdue project is finally completed. I find myself more and more often being in backed up traffic regardless of what time I pass through or what direction I'm going in. And the Pigeon River bridge reconstruction on 40 between Fines Creek and Maggie Valley, with its long term one-lane in each direction configuration, is not helping matters.
And it's frustrating to learn that the I-26 Green River bridge widening will require long term one lane traffic, but I can understand. The original bridges are just too narrow since they have no shoulders, so they're gonna need as much room as they can get to get everything done safely.
Pardon me if this has been discussed here before but I was reading an article about SCDOTs planned widening of I-26 between Charleston and Columbia and noticed it mentioned a complete overhaul of the I-95/I-26 interchange. I was unable to find anything more about it on SCDOTs website other than some type of improvement is planned. Have they released any alternatives or proposals? A turbine interchange would be fantastic here.
I'm glad they are replacing that ugly BRP overpass with something that is more aesthetically pleasing.
Quote from: Plutonic Panda on May 22, 2023, 07:58:07 AM
Pardon me if this has been discussed here before but I was reading an article about SCDOTs planned widening of I-26 between Charleston and Columbia and noticed it mentioned a complete overhaul of the I-95/I-26 interchange. I was unable to find anything more about it on SCDOTs website other than some type of improvement is planned. Have they released any alternatives or proposals? A turbine interchange would be fantastic here.
Given traffic movement, just adding a fly-over to move from northbound I-95 to I-26 westbound would take care of a lot of the issues with that interchange.
Quote from: Plutonic Panda on May 22, 2023, 07:58:07 AM
Pardon me if this has been discussed here before but I was reading an article about SCDOTs planned widening of I-26 between Charleston and Columbia and noticed it mentioned a complete overhaul of the I-95/I-26 interchange. I was unable to find anything more about it on SCDOTs website other than some type of improvement is planned. Have they released any alternatives or proposals? A turbine interchange would be fantastic here.
The
2021 feasibility report (https://www.scdot.org/inside/feasibility-reports/038677_Final_I26_I95_FR.pdf) shows a few alternatives.
Looks like the final design-build request for proposals comes out this month with anticipated contract execution in early 2024.
https://www.scdot.org/business/pdf/Early%20Coordination%20Meeting%20Presentation_I-26%20at%20I-95.pdf?v=2
This
zip file (https://www.scdot.org/business/pdf/I-26%20I-95%20Interchange%20Improvement/PIP/Roadway/1.%20Conceptual%20Roadway%20Design.zip) contains a PDF with a conceptual roadway design showing two flyovers in a turbine-like layout (also shown below). That can of course change.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52918701105_a517e6f351_z.jpg) (https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52918701105_55e9421833_o.png)
^^^^^ thank you
^ One thing I'll note is that the flyovers appear to only be single lane... based on heavy traffic volumes, it may be a good idea to at least make the I-95 NB to I-26 WB flyover two lanes, along with the direct ramp from I-26 EB to I-95 SB two lanes.
It was in my news feed that SCOTT has awarded a contract to rebuild the I26 bridge over the Wateree River, but the article read as if no widening was involved.
Quote from: ARMOURERERIC on May 23, 2023, 08:09:12 AM
It was in my news feed that SCOTT has awarded a contract to rebuild the I26 bridge over the Wateree River, but the article read as if no widening was involved.
I-20 crosses the Wateree River, not I-26. And that crossing likely does not require widening at this time.
Endured I-26 on Wednesday with several asshole truckers micropassing and blocking traffic largely from Orangeburg to I-95.
What is it about South Carolina and its signs? There were signs posted around the ramps at exit 145/U.S. 601 with a lot of text. The most I could catch was something about widening the interstate between some mileposts. I assume there was also mention of public comment. Not sure how informative they are to those passing by; maybe they should try the Burma Shave method and post several signs in a row with details.
Another gas tanker rolled over at the same exact spot near MM 62 on I-26 in Polk County. Both directions closed this morning. Numerous other tractor-trailers have rolled over here in the past. I guess the one rollover warning sign still isn't enough.
(https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/358696589_678110637692803_4710131646145343557_n.jpg?stp=cp6_dst-jpg_p526x296&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=8bfeb9&_nc_ohc=E5vXSWk4n2sAX86RcjP&_nc_ht=scontent-atl3-1.xx&oh=00_AfCL2JIfJoc7rHDL7g5xntvMohrPiZkUXt7cSKXkGYtqIQ&oe=64B57FBC)
Quote from: cowboy_wilhelm on July 13, 2023, 07:36:21 AM
Another gas tanker rolled over at the same exact spot near MM 62 on I-26 in Polk County. Both directions closed this morning. Numerous other tractor-trailers have rolled over here in the past. I guess the one rollover warning sign still isn't enough.
My bad. I put a sign up last week there with "DO A BARREL ROLL." I meant for it as a joke. :ded:
Directly beneath the I-26 drainage project near MM 63.0-63.5 is the Howard Gap Rd. landslide. I'm not aware of a longer road closure in the state (February 2019) and have not seen any plans posted for rebuilding. The drainage project should be wrapping up next year. This section of I-26 is built on fill and was a couple of tropical storms away from sliding down the mountain as it repeatedly did during a decade of construction.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/230/457344189_0b49216c6e_o.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53246198252_c72a5b21f1_z.jpg) (https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53246198252_fdba2ea0d4_o.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53247371713_7e831b37cb_z.jpg) (https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53247371713_f4cf6dbe66_o.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53247569865_862f6accf9_z.jpg) (https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53247569865_4409241172_o.jpg)
Next week I'll be driving from Charlotte to Central Kentucky. Has the I-26 widening construction shown any improvements recently? I heard that I-40 was going to be down to one lane around Black Mountain, and I've been taking NC 16 to I-40 into Tennessee to avoid I-26, but if I-40 is screwed up going up the mountain then I might have to just deal with the I-26 slog, in addition to the I-85 slog around Gastonia and the US 74 slog through Shelby.
Quote from: wriddle082 on October 10, 2023, 05:05:37 AM
Next week I'll be driving from Charlotte to Central Kentucky. Has the I-26 widening construction shown any improvements recently? I heard that I-40 was going to be down to one lane around Black Mountain, and I've been taking NC 16 to I-40 into Tennessee to avoid I-26, but if I-40 is screwed up going up the mountain then I might have to just deal with the I-26 slog, in addition to the I-85 slog around Gastonia and the US 74 slog through Shelby.
I went down Old Fort around 1:30 last Friday, and the lane closure didn't start until about half-way down the mountain, and only the left lane was closed out of three in each direction. No traffic issues whatsoever, but your mileage may vary. They're currently tearing out the median barrier. I did not see any construction around Black Mountain.
The I-26 widening is progressing, but is still a cluster. Most traffic is now on newly constructed lanes and it's not as rough of a ride as it was on the temporary shoulders, but it is still two lanes per direction. The Henderson County portion may be finished by next summer, but I don't see the Buncombe County section finishing before the end of next year.
You also have work zones at Green River bridges and Howard Gap, where the left lane (1 of 3) is closed near the top of the grade. The long-term westbound lane closure at Green River will probably start in November. Given the choice, I would take I-40 in a second.
For those coming from South Carolina, there is bridge rehab with lane closures near the state line, and there's paving on the S.C. side from the state line to Inman.
Quote from: cowboy_wilhelm on October 10, 2023, 08:05:49 AM
Quote from: wriddle082 on October 10, 2023, 05:05:37 AM
Next week I'll be driving from Charlotte to Central Kentucky. Has the I-26 widening construction shown any improvements recently? I heard that I-40 was going to be down to one lane around Black Mountain, and I've been taking NC 16 to I-40 into Tennessee to avoid I-26, but if I-40 is screwed up going up the mountain then I might have to just deal with the I-26 slog, in addition to the I-85 slog around Gastonia and the US 74 slog through Shelby.
I went down Old Fort around 1:30 last Friday, and the lane closure didn't start until about half-way down the mountain, and only the left lane was closed out of three in each direction. No traffic issues whatsoever, but your mileage may vary. They're currently tearing out the median barrier. I did not see any construction around Black Mountain.
The I-26 widening is progressing, but is still a cluster. Most traffic is now on newly constructed lanes and it's not as rough of a ride as it was on the temporary shoulders, but it is still two lanes per direction. The Henderson County portion may be finished by next summer, but I don't see the Buncombe County section finishing before the end of next year.
You also have work zones at Green River bridges and Howard Gap, where the left lane (1 of 3) is closed near the top of the grade. The long-term westbound lane closure at Green River will probably start in November. Given the choice, I would take I-40 in a second.
For those coming from South Carolina, there is bridge rehab with lane closures near the state line, and there's paving on the S.C. side from the state line to Inman.
Ok I guess my concern was really Old Fort, as I misspoke and said Black Mountain. As long as it's not a huge issue I will definitely be going that way. I'll be passing through there next Wednesday afternoon.
I've really grown weary of just about all of the I-26 construction between Asheville and Columbia. It seems like they're taking absolutely forever with the Henderson and Buncombe County widenings, and the Green River bridge replacement just makes it worse. And the widening NW of Columbia also seems to be taking a while, but they are also correcting numerous roadway deficiencies, replacing overpasses, and completely rebuilding three interchanges, and overall it seems to be progressing faster than the NC work zones, which started earlier.
It would be nice to see a five stack directional interchange built at I-20. I believe it's part of the Crossroads Projecr. IIRC it's due to be built as a turbine interchange. Anyone know when that part will start?
Quote from: Plutonic Panda on October 10, 2023, 06:54:16 PM
It would be nice to see a five stack directional interchange built at I-20. I believe it's part of the Crossroads Projecr. IIRC it's due to be built as a turbine interchange. Anyone know when that part will start?
So far they have lengthened the EB off-ramp for I-26 Exit 110 at US 378 Sunset Blvd (it backs up frequently, as a large hospital is nearby), they're redoing some of the ramps at the 26/126 interchange by building new ones over the Saluda River (which will turn the 126 interchange with Colonial Life Blvd into a full DDI, and allow the 26 interchange with Bush River Rd to be eliminated completely), and they are reworking I-20 Exit 65 at US 176 Broad River Rd. My guess is that once the 26/126/Colonial Life and 20/176 work is further along, they will be able to start on building out the turbine, so I'd say at least a year or two. A lot of structures are slated to be demo'd in that immediate area to make room.
Quote from: wriddle082 on October 11, 2023, 05:58:06 AM
Quote from: Plutonic Panda on October 10, 2023, 06:54:16 PM
It would be nice to see a five stack directional interchange built at I-20. I believe it's part of the Crossroads Projecr. IIRC it's due to be built as a turbine interchange. Anyone know when that part will start?
So far they have lengthened the EB off-ramp for I-26 Exit 110 at US 378 Sunset Blvd (it backs up frequently, as a large hospital is nearby), they're redoing some of the ramps at the 26/126 interchange by building new ones over the Saluda River (which will turn the 126 interchange with Colonial Life Blvd into a full DDI, and allow the 26 interchange with Bush River Rd to be eliminated completely), and they are reworking I-20 Exit 65 at US 176 Broad River Rd. My guess is that once the 26/126/Colonial Life and 20/176 work is further along, they will be able to start on building out the turbine, so I'd say at least a year or two. A lot of structures are slated to be demo'd in that immediate area to make room.
If their website is up-to-date, Phase 3 (I-20/I-26 interchange) "construction activity is anticipated to begin in 2024."
Quote from: cowboy_wilhelm on October 10, 2023, 08:05:49 AM
The long-term westbound lane closure at Green River will probably start in November.
The westbound lane closure included in the project plans has been avoided and there are two westbound lanes on the new bridge deck constructed between the two existing decks. I'm not sure if the westbound speed limit is dynamic, but it was 45 MPH on a digital sign at the time I went through. The old westbound railings are currently being removed.
Google Street View has imagery from December showing progress on the Green River Bridges. The westbound deck is currently being removed.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53478080429_1e04ec62a3_z.jpg) (https://maps.app.goo.gl/BPPsvGjF9RLbqmfE7)
The drainage project at Howard Gap appears to have been abandoned. No work is getting done, and equipment has been sitting in the same place for months. Per NCDOT's Construction Progress Report, no work has been completed since July.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53477765346_da6b0f41f1_z.jpg) (https://maps.app.goo.gl/FFRxLK3wu5FpHbcS8)
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(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53476861827_5ec7a06a24_z.jpg) (https://maps.app.goo.gl/3q3EJMBnnsUcXyz6A)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53477908498_0f794e8f3a_z.jpg) (https://maps.app.goo.gl/JCs9g2SGV9RNjfDF9)
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Quote from: Chris on August 30, 2009, 06:55:18 AM
Hmmm okay. Maybe I-26 wasn't the perfect number, but it's not like there are a lot of odd numbers to spare in that region.
I-26 ends 150 miles east of it's terminus, but also 260 miles south of it's terminus, so it indeed runs more north-south than east-west, unlike I-40 and I-85 which only partially run in the n/s or e/w direction.
The only semi-logical odd number I can think of is I-73 (it's east of 75, but west of 77), knowing that I can't see the currently designated I-73 being extended across VA and WV, and it largely duplicates I-77 anyway. (That would require NCDOT to remove 73 from the current central route.)
In fact, US 23 is mostly either expressway or freeway all the way into Ohio, making such a designation somewhat logical as more freeway sections can easily be built (as opposed to a completely new terrain highway).
I-26 westbound finally has a DMS at the South Carolina line. Hopefully they don't move the border again or it will belong to SCDOT. All guardrail has been replaced and set higher from the state line to MM 65. Bridge rehabilitation is still taking place at Hunting Country Rd. and over the N. Pacolet River, but paving has not started yet.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53672864039_df07afa213_c.jpg) (https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53672864039_42e2e763e2_o.jpg)
It still looks like construction activity has stalled at Howard Gap. The left lane closure remains in place. The project was supposed to be completed in March, but construction progress has stalled at 60 percent and gone backwards since January.
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Work is progressing on the new westbound bridge deck at Green River. Construction is supposed to be finished in December, but that's not happening. Once the new westbound deck is complete, traffic will shift to the new deck until the eastbound deck is demolished and rebuilt. One of the portable CCTVs from the widening project in Henderson County was moved to the bridge construction site. A permanent CCTV should be added west of the bridge later. Two CCTV poles have been placed at Exits 54 and 59, but cameras have not been mounted yet.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53672512381_fd54551f4a_o.jpg) (https://eapps.ncdot.gov/services/traffic-prod/v1/cameras/images?filename=I26_mm41_5.jpg)
WLOS reported (https://wlos.com/news/local/i-26-commuters-face-mixed-progress-lane-expansion-on-track-delay-on-buncombe-stretch#) earlier this month that the Henderson County portion of the I-26 widening is supposed to be finished by the end of August. They also report that the Buncombe County portion won't be completed until 2026, which I don't think is entirely true. The new interchange for Exit 35 to Pratt & Whitney has delayed construction for the section near the French Broad River and Blue Ridge Parkway. It looks like the Buncombe County portion east of Long Shoals Rd./Exit 37 to the Airport/Exit 40 could possibly open late this year. If they do start opening the new westbound lanes, I am assuming they will have one lane exit at Long Shoals Rd. and have another merge near the Blue Ridge Parkway.