From Staff Reports

ASHEVILLE, N.C. —The North Carolina Department of Transportation has confirmed that it is developing a “re-evaluation document” of the “controversial future I-26 flyover over Patton Avenue,” Asheville television station WLOS (News 13) reported on Aug. 20.

In a statement, NCDOT officials said the document will track changes from the preliminary design to final design to “ensure the purpose and need of the project are met.”

News 13 added, “The news comes as Citizens Coalition, comprised of neighbors and design professionals, and the American Institute of Architects of WNC, state Senator Julie Mayfield, and Asheville Councilwoman Maggie Ullman, have expressed surprise and frustration over plans revealed earlier this year to build a large 8-lane flyover to connect I-26 near the Jeff Bowen Bridge.”

Now, off-ramps lead interstate traffic on I-26 across the bridge and then back onto I-26. 

“In early 2025, NCDOT revealed the lowest bid for the overall billion-dollar I-26 connector project included the flyover, estimated to save the state approximately $200 million,” the TV station noted,

“Urban planner Joe Minicozzi and architect Wendy Legerton — involved in the ongoing pushback against the plan — continue to protest the change, despite NCDOT’s statement that it will save taxpayer money. 

Minicozzi and N.C. Senator Julie Mayfield claim NCDOT officials agreed decades ago not to have a flyover over local traffic on Patton Avenue leaving Asheville, News 13 stated.