Greenway Connector - Southside Accessibility Improvements
Greenway Connector - Southside Accessibility Improvements
The purpose of the project is to increase safety for all users of these streets and to create connectivity in Asheville’s greenway network for recreation and transportation use. Specifically, these improvements will connect the future Bacoate Branch Greenway and Nasty Branch Greenway (as well as the greenways along the French Broad River in the River Arts District) to the future Beaucatcher Greenway on Beaucatcher Mountain above Memorial Stadium and McCormick Field. The improvements also provide a safe route to the South Slope area and connection to downtown.
Happening Now
Work on this project began in December 2024 in the area of Buchanan Avenue. After a brief temporary hold, the project has restarted and is on track to be complete in late 2026.
Next Milestone: Construction completion
Background
This project includes on-road improvements in two project areas on either side of the future Nasty Branch Greenway for bike and pedestrian safety and wayfinding. The objective is to connect greenways in the project area and provide safe passage for pedestrians and bicyclists from one greenway trailhead to another. Elements of the project include:
Speed cushions and bicycle “sharrows” will be installed on Depot Street.
On Southside Avenue and Short Coxe Avenue, the existing sidewalk will be widened to at least 10 feet to become a multi-use path. Shared sidewalk markings and sharrows will be added.
The slip lane (right hand exit) from McDowell Avenue heading north to turn onto Southside Avenue will be removed. The right turn lane from Southside Avenue coming from the west onto Short Coxe will also be removed.
Painted crosswalks, ramp improvements, as well as pedestrian signals and rapid flashing beacons will be installed in high traffic areas.
Related Projects
- GAP Plan Implementation
- Nasty Branch Greenway
- South Slope Study
- Livingston Street Traffic Calming
- Oakland Road Traffic Calming