ASHEVILLE — Citizens interested in the N.C. Department of
Transportation proposal to widen Merrimon Avenue in Asheville still have time to
comment on the project, as public input is being accepted through Monday,
January 29.
The improvements are aimed at adapting to growing traffic
congestion and providing improved routes for cyclists and pedestrians between
Edgewood Road and W.T. Weaver Boulevard. They include adding sidewalks, left
turn lanes, and wider shared outside lanes to accommodate cyclists in both
directions near the eastern entrance to UNC-Asheville.
The NCDOT held a public meeting on Jan. 8 to show initial project
plans, answer questions and collect comments from residents and business owners.
The same maps of the proposed improvements are available at www.NCDOT.gov/Projects/PublicMeetings.
Additional comments and suggestions about the project should be
sent to NCDOT consultant Kim Bereis at kbereis@hntb.com.
NCDOT evaluates and addresses each comment from residents and
partner agencies such as city representatives to help make project decisions
before finalizing plans.
“Comments and decisions will have a significant influence on how
this proposed project moves forward,” NCDOT Division Project Development
Engineer Cole Hood said. “We have worked with a lot of partners for a lot of
years on the development of this project and we look forward to seeing where it
goes next.”
The project was put together after more than a decade of planning
and coordination by city officials, regional representatives and the NCDOT. It
is also part of the long-term comprehensive transportation plan developed in
coordination with the French Broad River Metropolitan Planning Organization,
which includes representatives from the NCDOT, City of Asheville and other
stakeholders.
“Input from citizens and local
officials is critical for urban projects,” Division 13 Board of Transportation
member William “Billy” Clarke said.
Once comments are
evaluated, changes in the project proposal will again be presented to the public
for input. Meanwhile, state environmental documents are being completed this
spring. Right-of-way acquisition could begin late this year, and construction
could start in late 2019.
Contact: David Uchiyama
duchiyama@ncdot.gov
(828) 251-6171