Haywood County commissioners discussed a North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) study that proposes widening Interstate 40 from about mile marker 27 toward Asheville, and noted the study contemplates adding tolled express lanes alongside free lanes. The board heard the presentation during the meeting’s constituent concerns period and did not take formal action.

The discussion matters because widening I‑40 is tied to both daily commutes and the county’s economic connections to neighboring Buncombe County. Commissioners said the expressed plan would preserve the existing free lanes while adding tolled lane(s) drivers could choose to pay to use.

Commissioner Brandon (Haywood County Board of Commissioners) said, “If you want to pay it you can and if not then then you could use the other the other lanes that's available just like you would going through it in Atlanta or anywhere else.” Chairman (Haywood County Board of Commissioners) explained the county’s representation on the regional metropolitan planning organization (MPO) board and urged residents to contact commissioners with their views ahead of an MPO vote scheduled later in the week.

Commissioners and staff described revenue pressures that have affected NCDOT project funding, including a multiyear judgment they said cost the department roughly $1 billion and reduced available funds, and lower gasoline tax receipts because of increased electric vehicle use. The board noted some projects approved in prior years still require funds to move from study into construction; one commissioner said approvals and money for I‑26 came from decisions and funding made in 2014, and that later projects have been delayed or cancelled when revenue proved insufficient.

Panel members gave examples of local projects affected by funding limitations — roundabouts and safety improvements that were proposed but not funded — and cited safety-focused work that has proceeded, such as shoulders being added on Jonathan Creek Road. Commissioners emphasized the local economic impact of congestion and closures, citing residents who commute to Buncombe County for work.

No formal vote or board directive on tolling was recorded in the meeting minutes. Commissioners said Haywood representatives on the MPO will vote on a regional measure later in the week and asked constituents to contact them with comments ahead of that vote.

Ending: The discussion was informational and advisory. The board did not adopt a policy at the meeting; commissioners said they will press the county’s position at the MPO meeting later in the week and encouraged residents to contact them before that vote.