Site work and paving for a road / highway in Asheville, North Carolina. Completed plans call for site work for a road / highway.

As of November 26, 2019, construction is underway. All trades have been awarded. The Interstate Expansion project will expand the interstate from four lanes to eight, four in each direction, doubling the interstate's capacity. The construction is expected to take five years. The project will incorporate widening I-26 from two to four lanes and the construction of seven new bridges. Other project highlights include multiple retaining walls, upgrading all drainage systems, new concrete pavement and other safety improvements. The project is divided into two project sections: Section I-4400 is a 13.6-mile stretch that begins at U.S. 25 (Exit 54) near Hendersonville, and extends along I-26 west to N.C. 280 (Exit 40). Section I-4700 is an 8.6-mile stretch that extends along I-26 from N.C. 280 west to the I-40/240 interchange. In addition to widening, work will also involve replacing the Blue Ridge Parkway Bridge over I-26. Widening I-26 in the area would help improve existing and projected deficiencies when it comes to roadway capacity. Sections of I-26 currently operate at levels of congestion characterized by unstable travel speeds with a high level of discomfort to the driver. As projected traffic volumes increase, more sections of I-26 are projected to operate at similar levels of congestion. By 2040, I-26 is anticipated to operate over capacity, hindering its ability to serve high-speed regional travel. The project would also improve insufficient pavement structure and deteriorating existing road surface conditions. The existing roadway surface on I-26 in the project area has twice, most recently in 2011, undergone major rehabilitation