Happening Now

With City Council’s approval of the construction contract at their meeting on October 14, 2025, the last major milestone has been completed before work can begin on the Johnston Boulevard Sidewalk project. Construction is expected to kick off in early 2026 and take approximately 18 months to complete. More information about construction impacts will be provided as details are finalized.

 

Next Milestone: Construction start

 

 

Background

The Johnston Boulevard sidewalk is one of several transportation projects prioritized by City residents during public outreach for the 2016 bond referendum. This project enhances the City’s sidewalk network by constructing a new sidewalk on Johnston Boulevard from Patton Avenue to Iona Circle/Johnston Elementary School, a total length of approximately 1 mile. The purpose of this project is to improve mobility, safety, and continuity for pedestrians on City streets and provide pedestrian connections to local amenities. Notable user bases in this area include Johnston Elementary School, Roger Farmer Memorial Park, as well as the neighborhood’s homes and stores. 

At the south end, the proposed sidewalk follows along the east side of Johnston Boulevard until reaching Rash Road, where a crosswalk allows the sidewalk to continue on the west side to Bear Creek Road, where it crosses back to the east side for a shorter segment until a final crosswalk at Iona Circle leads to the sidewalk terminus at Johnston Elementary School. 

 

Contact 

Jill Weissman
Project Manager

jweissman@ashevillenc.gov

 

Previous Updates

October 16, 2025

live
live
Construction Start

planned
planned
Construction Completion

Anticipated construction completion 18 months after construction start

complete
complete
Advertise and Select Construction Firm

complete
complete
Design Phase

See Construction Process for more information.

 

complete
complete
Public Engagement

2022: required opportunity for public comment

complete
complete
Planning Phase

complete
complete
2016 Bond Referendum approved by voters