Sidewalk improvements will continue to march up College Street with another project this month.
On Monday, June 12, Asheville Public Works crews will begin sidewalk work on College Street from North Spruce to North Market streets.
“This project will repair damage to the sidewalk and alleviate trip hazards,” said Jerry Yates, Asheville Streets Operation Manager. “Once the work is complete the sidewalk will have the running bond pattern that you see on sidewalks around downtown.”
Yates anticipates the project will take about one month to complete. Granite curbs will accompany the new scored concrete sidewalk. The intersection at North Market Street and crosswalk will be improved for greater wheelchair accessibility. Repair work will also be done for the Urban Trail markers at the corner. While the work does require the removal of two Maple trees, the department will replace both trees in the fall.
During construction, pedestrians will be directed to cross the street to avoid the work. The City is, however, committed to minimizing disruption of affected business. Public Works crews will be available to assist businesses and customers with access to entrances in order to ensure establishments can continue to operate through the construction period.
Staff from the City’s Streets Division and Community and Economic Development Department will visit businesses along the stretch prior to beginning construction. Businesses adjacent to this portion of sidewalk include Korean House, Room Nine, Sola Salons, Asheville Music School and Twisted Laurel.
Generally work will be done between 7:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday.
In May, Public Works crews replaced the College Street sidewalk between Rankin and Lexington avenues. Repairs to a portion of sidewalk on Broadway between Walnut Street and the alley next to Strada restaurant are also underway.
More sidewalk improvements are in store for downtown, including Haywood Street between Patton and Flint as part of the bonds package approved by voters in the November election.
Infrastructure projects such as these are informed by input from the Downtown Commission, Asheville Downtown Association and prioritized based on accessibility and safety improvement needs.