ASHEVILLE – A contractor for the N.C. Department of Transportation may begin upgrading pedestrian curb ramps along Merrimon Avenue on Monday, Aug. 15.
Crews from Rogers Group, Inc., will bring more than 65 ramps up to current standards established by the Americans with Disabilities Act. To make the improvements, they will remove old ramps, pour new concrete and install new truncated domes.
Crews will begin operations near W.T. Weaver Boulevard and work south to Interstate 240.
Some curb ramps may be closed for up to 24 hours while concrete cures at the intersections, and pedestrian detours will be established. Access to all businesses along the corridor will remain open during daylight hours.
Transportation officials anticipate crews to complete several ramps per night and complete the first section in four-to-six weeks. Crews will then complete another section along Merrimon Avenue.
NCDOT officials anticipate concluding this operation ahead of a partner project between NCDOT and the City of Asheville to convert Merrimon Avenue into a three-lane road with bike lanes this autumn.
The daily operations are weather dependent.