I-2513 for Asheville I-26 Connector

Fast Facts

NCDOT TIP # I-2513
Project Type: Interstate Freeway Project
Project Length: approximately 7 miles
Affected Counties: Buncombe
Condemning Authority: NCDOT
Estimated Affected Parcels: 300+
Total Project Cost: $1,523,606,000
Estimated Right-of-Way Funds: $242,315,000

Project Description

The I-26 Connector project is an interstate freeway project that would connect I-26 in southwestern Asheville to US 19-23-70 in northwest Asheville and have a total length of approximately 7 miles. The proposed I-26 Connector would be a concrete median-divided freeway, accessible only by interchanges.

The project would extend I-26 from I-40 to US 19-23-70 and would allow for the eventual designation of I-26 from Charleston, South Carolina to Kingsport, Tennessee.

The project involves four sections:

  • Sections AA and AB includes initial improvements at I-26/I-40/I-240 interchange and along I-40 between I-26/I-40/I-240 interchange and U.S. 19/23 (Smokey Park Highway).
  • Section AC involve upgrading I-240 from the I-26/I-240 interchange with I-40 to Haywood Road (as well as interchanges at Brevard and Amboy roads)​.
  • Section B includes widening I-240 from the Haywood Road interchange north to Patton Avenue, building the interstate on a new location from the Patton Avenue interchange north across the French Broad River, and tying into U.S. 19/23/70 south of Broadway Street.
  • Section C involves improvements to the I-40 interchanges with Smokey Park Highway, I-26/I-240, and Brevard Road.
  • Section D involves improvements along Riverside Drive from Hill Street to Broadway Street.

According to the NCDOT, the proposed project would upgrade the interstate corridor to meet current design standards for the interstate system, improve system linkage by connecting I-26 south of Asheville with US 19-23-70, address traffic capacity problems along with the existing I- 240 corridors (future I-26), and increase the remaining useful service of the Captain Jeff Bowen Bridges.

Business and Home Owner Concerns

While property owners along the project’s 7-mile path may be relieved that it’s finally underway, they may also be worried about the damage it could do to their homes, land, and businesses. Initial offers are being made right now on the AA, AB & AC sections. More than 300 owners will be affected by the entire project.

If your residence, property, and/or business will be affected, it’s time to act now. It’s been our experience that the NCDOT’s first offer may not be their best offer.

Contact an experienced North Carolina eminent domain attorney handling Asheville I-26 Connector cases to help you seek maximum compensation.

This is a significant project for the NCDOT with over $1.5 billion dollars expected to be spent on property acquisition, utility work, and construction combined. As of November 2023, the NCDOT has listed a budget of about $242 million for the right-of-way (property acquisitions).  Offers are currently being made, and preliminary work is underway on parts of the project path.  If you have not yet noticed any construction, more of the project is set to begin in 2024, and some sections are still awaiting construction funding.

If the NCDOT is taking your property as part of the I-26 Connector project, call us at 1-877-393-4990 or contact us online for a free case evaluation. We have a no-cost guarantee – you won’t pay us anything unless we collect an increased offer for your property. And then, our fee only applies to the increase we can negotiate for you. It’s a win-win situation.

Project Maps

Project map of section AA & AB of I-2513 for Asheville I-26 connector, NC.

Project map of section AC of I-2513 for Asheville I-26 connector, NC.

Project map of section B of I-2513 for Asheville I-26 connector, NC.

Project map of section C of I-2513 for Asheville I-26 connector, NC.

Project map of section D of I-2513 for Asheville I-26 connector, NC.

NC DOT Map

I-2513 Project Map

Schedule

  • Right-of-way acquisition–2023
  • Start Construction– FY 2024

Affected Properties

It is estimated that this project will impact more than 300 properties. Currently, the NCDOT has set aside $242,315,000 in approved funding for right-of-way takings.

If you are one of the property owners whose home, property, or business will be affected by this project, we urge you to take action now.  Call one of our attorneys (four of whom previously worked on behalf of the NCDOT)  at 1-877-393-4990 for a free case evaluation.

We want to help you fight for the most compensation you may deserve.

Since we’ve been in business, we’ve helped our clients get on average more than 3x their initial offer.1

Get a free case
evaluation today.

There are only a handful of attorneys in NC who practice eminent domain exclusively, and even fewer with NCDOT experience. We have several. That’s why its worth getting in touch with us for a free case evaluation.

Here’s how it works:

1) Tell us about your situation.

2) We research your property as needed, using DOT maps, our own technology, and experience to see the exact effects.

3) We let you know what we think a fair offer would be. This evaluation is free, and there’s no
pressure or obligation to hire us after.

But please don’t wait to act. Waiting can hurt your case, and the cost is the same: free.

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