Press release from the N.C. Department of Transportation, shared Jan.23:

RALEIGH — The N.C. Department of Transportation will hold an informational workshop from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 31, on proposed improvements to 22.2 miles of Interstate 26 from U.S. 25 in Henderson County to Interstate 40 in Buncombe County. The workshop will take place at the Western North Carolina Agricultural Center, Virginia C. Boone Building, located at 1301 Fanning Bridge Road in Fletcher.

The proposed project involves a multi-lane widening of I-26 and also includes rehabilitating and widening existing bridges, including the Blue Ridge Parkway bridge over I-26. The purpose of the project is to relieve projected congestion along the I-26 corridor.

The public is invited to attend at any time during the workshop hours to speak individually with NCDOT officials and review the project area map. There will not be a formal presentation. The opportunity to submit written comments or questions will be provided. Comments and suggestions received will be considered during the design phase.

For additional information, contact Dre Major, NCDOT Project Development and Environmental Analysis Unit, at (919) 707-6028 or ujmajor@ncdot.gov.

NCDOT will provide auxiliary aids and services under the Americans with Disabilities Act for persons with disabilities who want to participate in this workshop. Anyone requiring special services should contact Major as early as possible so that arrangements can be made.