ASHEVILLE — Two concrete segments jutting out over Interstate 26 will soon be 3 feet apart — and connected later this spring — into a new Blue Ridge Parkway bridge, according to a Feb. 14 news release from N.C. Department of Transportation.
The two structures have towered seemingly precariously over the interstate, leading some to ask if the bridge is structurally sound.
But after crews conduct the final large segment lift around sunrise Feb. 17, the two protrusions will be 3 feet away from meeting in the middle, according to the release.
For the N.C. DOT contractor to execute the lift, a section of I-26 East will be closed from 4-8 a.m. on Feb. 17. Traffic will be detoured on Brevard Road south to Long Shoals and back to I-26, the release said. Traffic lights will stay green longer on the detour route to accommodate additional traffic.
Is Parkway bridge safe for I-26 traffic:Answer Man: Is unfinished Blue Ridge Parkway bridge over I-26 structurally sound?
Despite the soon-to-be close appearance, several weeks and several operations remain to be completed before the two sides are united, according to N.C. DOT.