EB-5822: Wilma Dykeman Greenway Extension
EB-5822: Wilma Dykeman Greenway Extension
N.C. Department of Transportation in coordination with the City of Asheville is proposing construction of the of the Wilma Dykeman Greenway Extension.
Wilma Dykeman Greenway Extension-Asheville
N.C. Department of Transportation in coordination with the City of Asheville is proposing construction of the of the Wilma Dykeman Greenway Extension. The project involves the construction of a 1.3-mile section of the Wilma Dykeman Greenway, also known as the North River Arts District (RAD) Greenway, located in the City of Asheville.
The proposed greenway is planned adjacent to the French Broad River and Riverside Drive (N.C. 251) and extend from the north end of the existing Wilma Dykeman Greenway near Hill Street to the Pearson Bridge Road. This greenway will provide an important northern connection in the larger trail network that makes up the River Arts District Transportation Improvement Project (RADTIP). The project is being locally administered by the City of Asheville with administrative oversight and project delivery being conducted by NCDOT.
Project History
The idea for the Wilma Dykeman Greenway originated from a larger, decade-long community effort to renovate the River Arts District. The goal of this renovation was to support businesses, residents, artists, and the broader Asheville community as envisioned in the Wilma Dykeman RiverWay Master Plan.
Named after Wilma Dykeman, an American writer who advocated for linking economic development with environmental protection along the French Broad River, the Master Plan laid the groundwork for the River Arts District Transportation Improvement Project (RADTIP). RADTIP was a significant design and construction initiative to rebuild the transportation network along the east side of the French Broad River in the River Arts District. The first major segment of RADTIP was completed in April 2021, with the official opening of the 2-mile paved Wilma Dykeman Greenway corridor.
Project Highlights
A design alternative that is planned to be located between the French Broad River and Riverside Drive (N.C. 251). Preliminary environmental and engineering studies will determine constraints and the eventual alignment of the greenway. The project is currently funded in the 2024-2033 State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) and is scheduled for right-of-way acquisition beginning in January 2026 and construction in February 2027. The project will be funded with a combination of Transportation Alternatives Program – Any Area (TAANY) funds, and local funds.
Vicinity Map
To review a higher resolution map and project information sheet, please click on the map below, or click here.
Project Funding:
Activity | Costs* |
Project Development & Design | $ 600,000 |
Right-of-Way Acquisition | $ 129,000 |
Construction | $ 4,000,000 |
Total Cost | $ 4,729,000 |
*costs are subject to change.
Project Timeline:
Milestone | Date* |
Right-of-Way Acquisition Begins | January 2026 |
Construction Begins | February 2027 |
Future dates subject to change.
Project Contact Information
Gabriel Johnson, PE
Division 13 Project Manager
NCDOT Highway Division 13
55 Orange Street
Asheville, NC 28801
Project Contact Information
Lucy Crown, AICP
Transportation Planning Manager
City of Asheville
70 Court Plaza
Asheville, NC 28802
Project Comments:
NCDOT accepts comments throughout all phases of project development.
All comments will be taken into consideration, and carry equal weight, regardless of submittal method.
Comments for consideration during the current phase of project development
were to be submitted by July 2, 2025.
The public is encouraged to leave comments using this webpage, email, or phone number:
Email: wilma-dykeman-greenway-ext@publicinput.com
Phone Number: 984-205-6615 and enter project code 10354 to leave a message.
Title VI Feedback
To ensure we’re hearing from a broad set of voices, would you be willing to share (completely anonymously) some information about yourself?
If so, please click here: https://publicinput.com/NCDOT-Title-VI-Form
RESOURCES FOR PROPERTY OWNERS
Although the N.C. Department of Transportation works to minimize the number of homes and businesses displaced by a road
project, it is inevitable, in many cases, that a certain amount of private property is needed. The following information explains right
of way acquisition and answers questions about the process.
Right-of-Way Brochure Single Page Layout Folleto del Proceso de Adquisición de Bienes Raíces
Right-of-Way Frequently Asked Questions
Right-of-Way Acquisition Process Videos