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The nine-mile �missing link� to the completion of Interstate 26 opened Tuesday, August 5, in Madison County, and with that opening comes the �straight shot� that travelers have been waiting for � from one end of I-26 in Ohio to its other end in Charleston, SC. The new highway cuts through some of the most exquisite scenery to be seen in the state, and eliminates the need to travel a somewhat treacherous, curvy route down US 23. Governor Mike Easley attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony, along with a large contingent of various other state dignitaries. Along with the driving ease this new section of Interstate brings, it has already been designated as a scenic highway, a first for an Interstate in North Carolina. A beautiful new North Carolina welcome center is located just inside the state line. The welcome center boasts some of the prettiest scenery in the state, and that alone is likely to attract a great deal of attention from Interstate travelers.
Planning for the new section was started in 1989; construction began in 1996. The total cost of the project was $230 million. The new Interstate section has been named in honor of Liston B. Ramsey, longtime Democratic state representative from Marshall, NC. Ramsey, who died in 2001, was very popular with the people of Madison County, who elected him to serve 19 terms in the state legislature. He served an unprecedented four terms as Speaker of the House. Local residents in Madison County and northern Buncombe County are generally pleased with the highway completion. Not only is it likely to make their own commutes easier and safer, the new highway will ease the heavy traffic on US 23, making travel to and from homes in the area more pleasant and safer. Asheville residents agree that something will need to change on that section of Interstate highway where I-26 empties into the Smoky Park Bridge near downtown Asheville, but what that change will be remains a hotly contested issue. For the time being, motorists will have to deal with some pretty quick lane changes to stay on Interstate 26 through town. State officials in both Tennessee and North Carolina anticipate increased economic activity now that the highway is open and easy access is to the region is possible.
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The modern technology that is built into the highway is as impressive as the magnificent view. With fog an ever-present danger in the Buckner Gap area near the Tennessee state line, DOT planners included a state-of-the-art fog detection system that warns motorists of impending dangers from the presence of fog � well before they drive into the danger area. The Laurel Creek Bridge, itself an engineering marvel, is outfitted with a special anti-icing system that should eliminate a serious hazard to travelers during the winter months. Due to the steep grade, DOT planners have also included three runaway truck ramps along the route. 