ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — The skyline heading into Asheville on Interstate 26 is starting to look different.

Trees and brush have been cleared around the Westgate flyover and Bowen Bridge areas as work continues on the I-26 Connector.

But some of the biggest progress this week is happening below the roadway, in the French Broad River.

Crews are nearing completion of the first phase of a temporary rock causeway being built in the river. The causeway will give crews access to the river as they build four new bridges that will eventually carry I-26/240 traffic across the French Broad.

The causeway is being built in phases. Once the first phase is complete, it will remain in its current configuration for about five months before being shifted as construction moves forward.

Crews also are continuing to clear and grub areas of the project, relocate utilities, build bridge foundations and substructures, grade the roadway and install drainage pipes.

That work is expected to continue next week, including additional work on the causeway.

There are no major traffic changes to report this week.

The I-26 Connector is expected to be completed in late 2031.