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Removing old Blue Ridge Parkway bridge will close I-26 starting Sunday

By Bill Moss, Published: October 14, 2025

The removal of the old Blue Ridge Parkway bridge will require the closing of I-26 in both directions starting Sunday, the NCDOT announced.
Nightly closures will run from 8 p.m. until 6 a.m. Additional signage will be placed to assist drivers who are unfamiliar with the overnight closure process in Buncombe County. 

Traffic on I-26 West will be diverted Sunday night until Wednesday to Airport Road (Exit 40) then north on Hendersonville Road (U.S. 25) to I-40, then, if necessary, to N.C. 191 and I-240 East. Traffic on I-26 West on Thursday night will be diverted at U.S. 25 (Exit 44). Traffic on I-26 East will be diverted to Brevard Road (Exit 33) then west on Long Shoals Road (N.C. 146) back to I-26 East. NCDOT will program all signals with longer green lights on the detour routes. 

The exact number of nights necessary will be determined as the operation progresses. Beginning at 9 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 19, the contractor is scheduled to work Sunday night through Thursday night. The second week of work may begin Sunday night, Oct.  26. Fluor-United, and its sub-contractors, may need fewer or additional nights. 

The new Blue Ridge Parkway bridge will not be closed for these operations, but drivers may experience short delays related to construction or additional autumn traffic.