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Jason Sandford

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

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Here’s more of what’s going around, including a long-awaited Interstate 26 widening between Brevard Road south to Airport Road near the Buncombe-Henderson county line. Here we go:

-The N.C. DOT has awarded a $263 million contract to Fluor-United Joint Venture of Greenville, S.C., to widen Interstate 26 from Brevard Road in Buncombe County to the Henderson County line near Airport Road. Work should start in September. This portion of the I-26 widening project will expand the interstate from four lanes to eight lanes — four in each direction — from Brevard Road to the Henderson County line doubling the capacity of the interstate, according to a N.C. DOT press release. The project also includes replacing bridges over the French Broad River and the Blue Ridge Parkway bridge over I-26. At least two lanes of traffic will remain open in each direction during the day. The project should be completed in the spring of 2024.

-An active shooter exercise is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 30, at 100 Otis Street, the federal courthouse building. The event will include a street closure and up to 200 people. It’s a Department of Justice training exercise held in partnership with the Asheville Police Department.

-White Labs is adding square footage to its taproom, and also recently doubled its capacity to process yeast. I’m working on getting more details on their expansion.

-The Asheville ABC Board, after spending about $3 million to renovate a large warehouse and create new office space along Old Brevard Road, has moved into that space. It’s office on Broadway is now vacant.

-The Dripolator Coffeehouse in Black Mountain is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. Kudos to founder Amy Carroll and her crew!

-Push Skateshop & Gallery and Brainstorm Skateboards have announced a partnership with New Belgium Asheville to make a new series of skateboards called the “Concrete Community.” This limited-edition series of skateboards features the artwork of an eclectic group of talented Asheville-based artists, including Sara Mulvey of Revelry Tintype, ISHMAEL, Danny Reed of Hot Stuff Tattoo, and Nathanael Roney, according to a press release.  A portion of the proceeds from the sale of these boards will go to the Foundation DIY Sculpture Skatepark in the River Arts District, which is the ultimate testament to the creative spirit of the skateboarding and art scene in Asheville, the release states. There’s an event this Saturday, Aug. 3, to kick it all off: stop by New Belgium Asheville’s Liquid Center from noon to 5 p.m. this Saturday for a Revelry Tin Type pop-up with Mulvey. She’ll be available for photos on a first-come, first-serve basis.

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Jason Sandford

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

  • 1

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