ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — There’s not much new to report on the Interstate 26 Connector project this week, but crews are getting close to finishing blasting at their first location.

The N.C. Department of Transportation says blasting operations at the initial site are nearly complete, and no additional blasting is expected next week.

NCDOT spokesperson Stephanie Johnson said there are no major construction milestones to report this week and no significant new traffic impacts anticipated for the coming week.

That’s not to say drivers won’t continue to encounter delays. Existing road closures and detours associated with the project remain in place, including the closures of Hill Street and Westgate Loop.

Although blasting is winding down at the initial location, additional blasting may be needed elsewhere as construction progresses.

The I-26 Connector project will link I-26 southwest of Asheville with U.S. 19/23/70 north of the city, with major changes planned for the I-240 corridor and several interchanges.

The project remains on schedule for completion in late 2031.