Motorists trying to access I-40 Westbound at this exit can follow a posted detour using U.S. 19/23 South to N.C. 215 North through Canton, and then back to I-40 at Exit 31.  The closure is necessary to move the traffic shift on I-40 back to the original pattern, which was changed this past summer.

The work is part of a $3.9 million project awarded to Harrison Construction Division of APAC Atlantic, Inc. for the construction of a new median wall and resurfacing between the Haywood/Buncombe county line and mile marker 34. 

Westbound traffic is currently in a two-lane pattern and shifted onto the shoulder of the interstate.  Traffic will be returning to the original three-lane pattern before the Thanksgiving holiday.  Additional lane closures are possible until then, but at least two lanes will remain open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Any lane closures that reduce traffic to one lane will be done at night.

This work will not complete the project.  The final layer of asphalt is currently scheduled to be placed in the spring of next year.