Happening Now

This project is in the design phase. With City Council approval of a contract with Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. at their October 14 meeting, this milestone marks the next step in the restoration of an important section of sidewalk in downtown Asheville

Next Milestone: Construction 

September 2025 update: City Arborist Mark Foster has identified three dead trees on the northwest side of Lexington Avenue in downtown Asheville that must be removed. These trees have reached the end of their life cycle and no longer provide the stability needed to safely remain in place. In addition to removing the three dead trees, Public Works staff will also be pruning dead or weakened limbs from other trees along Lexington Avenue. 

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.

• Modify curb alignment at intersections and crosswalks in compliance with Public Right-of-Way Accessibility Guidelines (PROWAG).

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.