Johnston Boulevard Sidewalk
Johnston Boulevard Sidewalk
This project includes the construction of approximately 1 mile of new sidewalk, including accessible ramps, crosswalks and drainage, along Johnston Boulevard from Patton Avenue to Johnston Elementary School.
Happening Now
Construction began in early 2026 and will take approximately 18 months to complete.
As of October 2026, Duke Energy is completing necessary utility and utility pole relocations. AT&T and Spectrum are also scheduled to move their lines to the relocated poles. Additionally, an underground box conflict currently prevents the installation of required stormwater infrastructure near the railroad. The railroad is also working through their required adjustments. Our contractor is strategically filling in the gaps. They are skipping the specific panels and sections directly impacted by old utility poles, stormwater conflicts, and the track crossing, then returning to finish them as soon as utility crews and railroad teams complete their work.
To keep construction moving as efficiently as possible, work is being tackled in two main phases, with paving to follow as weather allows (typically asphalt plants open once the weather warms up in the spring):
Railroad to Johnston Elementary School (Focus through December 2026)
Crews are currently concentrating their effort on completing the sidewalk stretch connecting the railroad area to the elementary school by December 2026.
Railroad to Patton (December 2026 – February 2027)
Once the school stretch is wrapped up, crews will shift primary focus to the section between the railroad and Patton Avenue, with completion planned in late winter/early spring of 2027. Stay tuned for information about traffic impacts during this phase.
Next Milestone: Completion
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.
Starting at the south end, the 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.
Previous Updates
Contact
Susannah Horton, Project Manager
shorton@ashevillenc.gov