ASHEVILLE – Construction operations begin this week to install a temporary bridge that will improve transportation for east Asheville residents and visitors to a popular destination.
Contract crews are mobilizing to install a modular steel bridge that will connect Azalea Road to Gashes Creek Road near the Western North Carolina Nature Center. The N.C. Department of Transportation is administering the $4.1 million contract with Dane Construction on behalf of the City of Asheville.
The contract calls for installation of the 300-foot-long bridge, stabilization of the riverbank and connections to the roads to all be completed by summer. Short-term lane closures on Swannanoa River Road or Azalea Road may occur sporadically beginning this week as crews unload heavy machinery that will aid in construction this winter.
More significant lane closures will be necessary at times through the winter, but no lane closures will be permitted from 7-8:30 a.m. or 3:30-6 p.m. on weekdays or at any time during holiday weekends, special events or heavy traffic periods.
The temporary structure will remain in place while a new permanent structure, replacing the dam and bridge destroyed by Hurricane Helene, is constructed. Once open, the temporary bridge will provide Gashes Creek residents direct access to their neighborhood, relieve congestion on Azalea Road, and provide visitors improved access to the Nature Center and neighboring John B. Lewis soccer fields.