I-26 in Madison County - A highway through the Heavens of North Carolina

What began as Appalachian Regional Corridor 'B' in the mid-1960's and ended as an extension of Interstate 26 into the mountains north of Asheville and into Tennessee, is a spectacular highway that combines the scenic majesty of the mountains and the utmost importance in safety and high-speed travel in this modern era. Built in various segments and not without its share of controversy, the new I-26 instantly became the crown jewel of the North Carolina Highway System when the last miles opened in August 2003.

Shortly after the highway opened that August, we hosted a road meet to tour the new highway. Here are some of the photos from the trip. Photos were taken by Chris Curley and Brian Reynolds.

Lane instructions on I-26 West near the North Carolina/Tennessee State Line; Sams Gap. (Photo by Chris Curley)

Overhead for US 23 (Exit 3) on I-26 East. After the highways completion, most of US 23 stayed or was placed back on its old alignment. Tennessee is supposed to follow suit. (Photo by Chris Curley)

Attendees of the I-26 Tour Meet: Christy Curley, Brian Reynolds, Stanley Cline, Adam Froehlig, Billy Riddle, Carter Buchanan, Adam Prince, and Chris Curley

Looking south and east from the overlook. On a clear day, Mt. Mitchell and other high peaks can be seen. (Photo by Chris Curley)

Looking in the same direction from a lower perch. (Photo by Chris Curley)

I-26 passes in front as seen from the Upper Overlook. (Photo by Brian Reynolds)

I-26 curves towards Tennessee. Photo by Brian Reynolds

A view at the elevation difference between the upper overlook and the parking area. (Photo by Brian Reynolds)

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During February 1956 the State of Nevada in concurrence with the States of California and Arizona submitted a request to the American Association of State Highway Officials to establish US Route 66 Alternate to Las Vegas. The proposed US Route 66 Alternate would have originated from mainline US Route 66 in Kingman Arizona and followed a multiplex of US Routes 93-466 to Las Vegas, Nevada. From Las Vegas, Nevada the proposed US Route 66 Alternate would have multiplexed US Routes 91-466 back to mainline US Route 66 in Barstow, California. The request to establish US Route 66 Alternate was denied during June 1956 due to it being completely multiplexed with other US Routes. This blog will examine the timeline of the US Route 66 Alternate proposal to Las Vegas, Nevada. The history of the proposed US Route 66 Alternate to Las Vegas, Nevada On February 15, 1956, the Nevada State Highway Engineer in a letter to the American Association of State Highways Officials (AASHO) advising that six c

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