September 2019
Archer Western and Wright Brothers Construction to widen I-26 in western North Carolina
ASHEVILLE, NC – The joint venture of Archer Western and Wright Brothers Construction (Archer-Wright JV) has been selected by the North Carolina Department of Transportation to widen 9.1 miles of I-26 through Henderson County in western North Carolina.
The $271 million project will expand I-26 to eight lanes from Airport Road at the Buncombe County line to U.S. 25, and six lanes from there to U.S. 64. The upgrades will allow for a greater capacity for handling existing and future traffic volumes. Currently, drivers on I-26 endure high levels of congestion due to population growth and aged infrastructure.
"We are thrilled to come together on this joint venture to create an interstate that will benefit the citizens of western North Carolina and its visitors," said Andrew Douglas, vice president for Archer Western, lead member of the Archer-Wright JV. "We look forward to delivering a project that residents can be proud of; a project that sets the highest standards for quality and safety.
The Archer-Wright JV will be responsible for reconfiguring the I-26 and U.S. 25 intersection, remodeling rest areas in both directions, replacing three bridges on the interstate and five bridges over the interstate. Other project features include the construction of multiple retaining walls, upgrading all drainage systems, as well as new concrete pavement and additional safety improvements to this corridor.
During the construction period, at least two lanes of traffic will remain open in each direction during the day. Construction is anticipated to be complete in the summer of 2024.