Asheville News

In wake of pedestrian death on I-240 near Smoky Park Bridge, a question: Is pedestrian bridge open?

Jason Sandford June 17, 2010

Jason Sandford

Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.

The Asheville Citizen-Times reports that a 25-year-old man was struck by a car and killed as he tried to cross Interstate 240 near the Smoky Park Bridge and head toward Hillcrest Apartments. My question is this – is the pedestrian bridge that runs above the crowded highway open or closed?

This isn’t the first time a person has been struck and killed while trying to cross the highway at this location – generally just on the downtown side of the Smoky Park Bridge, where Patton Avenue turns into an interstate on-ramp, and where drivers exit to take the new I-26 north toward Weaverville.

Here’s some history, from a 1999 Citizen-Times story by Paul Clark:

City Council voted 4-3 on June 9 not to reopen the closed pedestrian walkway. Some residents began pushing for the bridge after a man died trying to cross the highway in February 1998. He was the second pedestrian to be killed on I-240 near the housing complex since the walkway was closed in 1994.

The bridge was built to deliver walkers safely to Roberts Street, where they would walk to downtown. Police sought the bridge’s closure because, they said, suspects could slip out over it during drug raids.

So – what is the status of the pedestrian bridge? Do Hillcrest residents want the bridge open or closed? What do police say about the bridge access today?

Jason Sandford

Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.

YouTube video: Massive rainwater drainage from Grove Park Inn golf course erodes neighboring property

Asheville-based Southwings flies over Gulf oil spill to document disaster

11 Comments

Vermin August 16, 2010

What about the bridge that runs alongside Patton/I-240/I-26/US 19/US 23/US 74, crossing over the South French Broad River? If that's the case, Montford Ave. is of no help whatsoever. It is nowhere near Westgate Pkwy., Resort Dr., or Regent Park Blvd.

The only way to access Resort Dr. and Regent Park Blvd. (where Eblen Charities, which serves poor people–many of whom don't have cars) is directly from Patton Ave, west of the I-240/I-26 interchange.

But maybe that pedestrian bridge is open?

Reply
bill June 23, 2010

Woody, how do you get to Hill St? If you are not coming from Hillcrest? Say you cross the river on the Ped bridge, the back gate to Hillcrest is closed (or you don’t want to walk through there) this means you have to walk along the highway to somewhere.
Where do you cross future 26?
It is a climb up a steep embankment to get to the Hill Street bridge.

Reply
Woody June 18, 2010

Bill, I would have to disagree. Courtland Ave takes you to Hill st which takes you directly to Montford. If you’re actually attempting to get to the main part of downtown it’s probably less than 5 minutes longer than running across the interstate. I do agree that the bridge is the best option, but if it’s closed then….

Reply
bill June 18, 2010

Woody, it is more than slightly longer, and makes no sense when there is a bridge there at the narrowest spot.
Also, you would have to walk on grass alongside the interstate to get to the Hill Street Bridge and even that is trespassing, then up an embankment and across a fence to get to that bridge.

Reply
Woody June 18, 2010

I know it’s slightly longer, but why don’t people just walk up to Montford and cross to downtown there. It’s illegal to cross an interstate on foot and even if it was legal it’s just plain dumb to do it there with an on ramp from the left and right, an off ramp and a curve all within 200 yards of each other it’s a death trap. I feel badly for this guys family, but come on people lets use common sense.

Reply
SpeckledHen June 18, 2010

It’s a tragedy. The Smokey Park Bridge crossing is technically open but it looks like it closed due to what is going on at Westgate. Sidewalks to West Asheville are also closed as they have been ripped up on both sides of Clingman for construction. This has left western areas of Asheville isolated for those trying to walk to or from downtown and everyone is having to walk in the road.

Reply
Gordon Smith June 18, 2010

Thanks for posting about this, Jason. My thoughts are with Mr. Gilmore’s family and friends. I’ve posted some information and my thoughts at Scrutiny Hooligans: http://scrutinyhooligans.us/2010/06/17/not-to-be-repeated/

Reply
WNCRod June 18, 2010

I tried to walk from downtown to Westgate shopping center about five years ago and had to cross the highway when I discovered the pedestrian bridge wasn’t open. Fortunately traffic was pretty light. But I was quite annoyed and baffled by the bridge not being open. I’ve seen many many people walking down the median from downtown until they can cross over the highway.

Reply
Sean June 17, 2010

I wouldn’t say it’s longer, Murphy. The closed bridge exits out at the bottom of Roberts Street. I think the Hill Street bridge is much closer to downtown than is the other. Regardless, people were still crossing the interstate when both bridges were open, and will continue to do so when all of the whining and "what ifs" cause them to again be open.

Reply
Murphy June 17, 2010

I have not noticed anyone using that bridge in ages … the one across 240 at Hill Street School is still open … much longer walk from/to Hillcrest …

Hey, J … have "they" ever fixed the gate that was supposed to be re-installed after vandals set fire to the old structure(s) there ?

Reply
the ted June 17, 2010

slip out during drug raids? Is the APD that bad with logistics? Just put one of the many police officers on the bridge when the "big raid" starts.

Reply