Musings from the Mountains

I thought I would give a few thoughts on road construction in the area.  It seems to be ongoing and never ending.

Interstate 40 through the Pigeon River Gorge is now open, but just one lane each way with a 35-mph speed limit.

Interstate 26 through Asheville is still in a semi-permanent state of construction.  The most congested part of Interstate 26 through Asheville is from the Interstate 40 intersection South to Hendersonville.

There are still many side roads that are blocked from Hurricane Helene in the Asheville, Fairview, Swannanoa, and Black Mountain areas.  Also in the Spruce Pine, Marshall and other areas north of Asheville there are still roads and bridges that have been washed out.  Repairs are in progress but are progressing slowly in some areas.  Federal and state money for roads and bridges are somewhat slow in coming.

Here in Haywood County, bridge replacement on Russ Avenue is progressing nicely.  Both the bridge over the railroad tracks, and the bridge over Richland Creek are being replaced.  Both were 4-lane bridges, so 2 lanes were closed and demolished on both bridges.  Those demolished 2 lanes are almost rebuilt on both bridges currently.  When they are completed, they will be opened and the existing 2 lanes that are currently being used, will be closed, demolished and rebuilt. Water, sewer, and waste-water lines are all being replaced on Russ Avenue also.  Needless to say, traffic on Russ Avenue is fairly congested during all the construction.

The bridge in Frog Level should be repaired and open for traffic tomorrow, April 1st.  At least that is the target date.  This will help traffic on Russ Avenue in Waynesville.

If you are coming to our area and have any questions on road construction, please let us know.