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Overview > Local Scoop > 2008 > 01 > I 26 Connector Project Approve...

Thursday, January 17, 2008

I-26 Connector Project Approved by Asheville City Council

The City of Asheville has finally settled on the long-delayed Interstate 26 Connector proposal. The new design plan features a smaller disruption to West Asheville than plans previously made by the North Carolina Department of Transportation. The alternative plan will use much less land and will save the State upwards of $150 million. The major change is a viaduct, instead of the State's planned double-decker bridge.

Members of the City Council voted 6-1 on Tuesday, January 15^th for the new plan and now are pressing the Department of Transportation to consider the alternative design. Dr. Carl Mumpower was the only member of council that voted no on the resolution.

Plans call for a bridge to be constructed over the French Broad River. This new bridge will connect Interstate 240 in West Asheville to Interstate 26 in North Asheville. Asheville City Council is holding its breath on the NC Department of Transportation's approval.

Projected costs have skyrocketed from $87.4 million in 1997 to $363.4 million today, with construction projected to begin in 2008. As of now, construction on the project will not start until at least 2013. The new proposal will be given to the NC DOT Friday, Jan. 18, 2008.

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