Lexington Avenue Sidewalk Restoration
Lexington Avenue Sidewalk Restoration
The City of Asheville is replacing sidewalk on both sides of the street on the northern section of Lexington Avenue between Walnut Street and Woodfin Street/Hiawassee Street. This 2024 GO Bond funded project will improve pedestrian safety and overall experience by restoring safe sidewalks and upgrading accessibility.
Happening Now
This project is in the design phase.
Public Engagement Opportunity on February 26, 2026: The City of Asheville held an informational engagement session to offer a direct opportunity to view initial renderings of project plans and ask questions of the project team. View the presentation from the engagement session below and scroll down to leave a comment.
Next Milestone: The project team anticipates reaching 60 percent design in early summer, which will coincide with an update to stakeholders.
Background
Lexington Avenue is a vibrant commercial corridor with a unique character. This character is supported, in part, by the use of brick paver sidewalks along the block between Woodfin Street and Walnut Street. Over time the sidewalks on this block have deteriorated, causing bricks to come loose and become trip hazards. City labor crews continue to maintain this area, but the level of deterioration makes it difficult to stay ahead of the maintenance needs and in some cases, even to make acceptable repairs.
The goal of the Lexington Avenue Sidewalk Restoration project is to improve access and mobility with a full replacement of the sidewalk on both sides of the street. To achieve the project goal, project elements will include:
The City plans to replace the sidewalk in the project area with brick. At this early stage in the design process, we are conducting due diligence in site and cost analysis to ensure brick is feasible within the project requirements, budget and scope.
Replace the sidewalk with material that is compliant with Public Rights-of-Way Accessibility Guidelines (PROWAG) regulations.
Address other areas of ADA non-compliance, such as driveway cuts and curb ramps.
Preserve street trees where possible and replacement of street trees where preservation is not possible.
Stay tuned for engagement opportunities during the upcoming Design Phase. Stakeholder input will be taken into account along with project components including the budget, local codes and ordinances, as well as goals and intended outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
This project is funded by the voter-approved 2024 General Obligation Bond referendum. Additional funds may later be identified.
The City recognizes an opportunity to make additional improvements to areas of Lexington Avenue. At this time, there is no funding allocated for future phases. Starting at the north end of the street may allow for continuous pedestrian connection, should there be future projects.
Let’s connect! Please contact the Project Manager at shorton@ashevillenc.gov. Anyone who is interested in this project is encouraged to subscribe for email updates at the top of this project page.
Previous Updates
February 11, 2026: Public Information Session Scheduled for February 26
October 30, 2025: Lexington Avenue Sidewalk Project moves into design phase
September 2, 2025: Dead tree removal and pruning work to take place on Lexington Avenue this month
June 26, 2025: The Lexington Avenue Sidewalk Improvements Project is now in motion