NCDOT Scheduled I-26 Blasting Near Asheville

The North Carolina Department of Transportation has scheduled a traffic slow roll for rock removal near Exit 25.

Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Construction

Exposed rock face along an Asheville mountain highway during infrastructure construction work under a hazy, overcast sky. — The North Carolina Department of Transportation has scheduled controlled blasting operations near the I-26 and Broadway Street interchange in Asheville for rock removal. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The North Carolina Department of Transportation has scheduled blasting operations near the Interstate 26 and Broadway Street interchange in Asheville. Crews will implement a traffic slow roll in both directions to facilitate rock removal for the Interstate 26 Connector Project.

Why it matters

This operation is a necessary component of the broader Interstate 26 Connector Project aimed at improving regional infrastructure. The scheduled blasting requires temporary traffic management to ensure worker and driver safety during the removal process.

Operations are centered at the Interstate 26 and Broadway Street interchange near Exit 25. The scheduled work is part of the ongoing Interstate 26 Connector Project in Asheville.

The players

North Carolina Department of Transportation

This is the state agency responsible for maintaining public transportation infrastructure and managing road construction projects across North Carolina.

The details

The North Carolina Department of Transportation will manage the blast by slowing traffic in both directions along Interstate 26. These measures are being taken to safely accommodate rock removal activities essential to the ongoing infrastructure project.

October 5, 2026: NCDOT issued a news release regarding the upcoming blasting operation.
October 6, 2026: Blasting operations are scheduled for the I-26 corridor.
11 a.m., October 6, 2026: The traffic slow roll on I-26 is scheduled to begin.

Market Landscape

This activity follows the established construction schedule for the Interstate 26 Connector Project. The work represents a necessary phase in the long-term regional infrastructure development plan managed by state authorities.

Drivers in the Asheville area, including those commuting from Weaverville, should expect brief delays and congestion along the I-26 corridor. Motorists are encouraged to plan for potential slow-downs beginning at 11 a.m. due to the scheduled blasting activities.

The takeaway

Travelers should remain alert for changing traffic conditions and potential updates based on weather. Maintaining distance and following instructions from the transportation department will help ensure a smoother commute during the rock removal phase.