TRAVEL ALERT – US-74 Westbound exit closure impacts travel to Downtown Waynesville through August

Drivers heading from Asheville should plan alternate routes during construction project.

WAYNESVILLE, N.C. — Travelers heading west from Asheville toward Waynesville and Maggie Valley should plan for a temporary route change as construction closes the US-74 Westbound off-ramp at Exit 102.

The closure is scheduled from June 8 through Aug. 30, 2026, affecting drivers who normally use Exit 102 to access Downtown Waynesville. The closure is part of an ongoing construction project, and motorists are encouraged to allow extra travel time and follow posted detours.

Traveling to Downtown Waynesville from Asheville:

Drivers traveling west on US-74 should use the following alternate route:

• Take Exit 100 at Hazelwood Avenue.
• Turn left, then make the next immediate left onto the US-23 North/US-74 East on-ramp.
• Continue on US-74 East for approximately 1.7 miles.
• Take Exit 102A onto Russ Avenue/US-276 South.
• Continue straight for about 1 mile to the intersection with North Main Street.
• Turn right to continue into Downtown Waynesville.

Traveling to Maggie Valley from Asheville:

Drivers heading toward Maggie Valley should:

• Take Exit 103 to US-19 toward Maggie Valley/Cherokee.
• Continue on US-19/Dellwood Road to Soco Road.

Motorists are encouraged to plan ahead, follow detour signs and check travel conditions before departing. While the closure may add time to some trips, downtown Waynesville businesses, attractions and mountain destinations remain accessible throughout the construction period.

For visitors exploring Western North Carolina this summer, allowing extra time for travel can help ensure a smoother journey while enjoying all that the Smoky Mountains region has to offer.