The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) recently opened the new permanent bridge on the Blue Ridge Parkway over I-26.
The bridge’s opening is part of a project to widen Interstate 26 in Buncombe County. Crews now can remove the old bridge and finish widening the interstate underneath.
“We are certainly excited to accomplish this feat before visitors flock to western North Carolina to enjoy leaf season in Asheville and along the Blue Ridge Parkway,” Division 13 Engineer Tim Anderson said. “While this is not related to Hurricane Helene repairs, it’s another sign that WNC is open for business and NCDOT is progressing on other projects in addition to storm repairs.”
Crews will remove the old bridge, that interferes with the widening of the interstate, in pieces. The deck will be removed in sections followed by the girders, and the six-pier columns will be pushed to the ground and dismantled.
It will take approximately six weeks, depending on weather and the progress of other operations, to complete demolition. Some work will require overnight closures.
The new, segmental bridge was constructed using pre-cast concrete parts, including 14 pieces for the piers. Pieces are connected using long tendons. An internal cavity allows for easier maintenance.