ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — The cost of rebuilding Interstate 40 through the Pigeon River Gorge has increased by about $800 million, with N.C. Department of Transportation officials now estimating the project will cost about $2.8 billion.
NCDOT said Wednesday that new geotechnical information gathered as crews have gained better access to the gorge has given engineers a clearer picture of what is beneath the interstate — and some of the conditions are more difficult than initially expected.
The department now estimates that four lanes of I-40 will be restored by late 2029…