Something to put on the calendar: NC DOT update on I-26 connector

Jason Sandford

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

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Here’s the NC DOT’s page on the I-26 Connector project. I’m also wondering if there are any updates regarding the proposal to make the connector a nice-looking architectural piece, rather than just another four-lane bridge.

Corridor Public Hearing

The North Carolina Department of Transportation plans to conduct a Corridor Public Hearing in Asheville early next year to answer questions and receive comments about the entire I-26 Connector project. The I-26 Corridor public hearing will be held in the last quarter of 2008.

Alternative Eliminated

In August 2007, after a presentation to the environmental review team of Federal, State and local officials, NCDOT eliminated further consideration of Alternate 5 that proposed constructing a new crossing of the French Broad River immediately south of the existing Smoky Park Bridges to accommodate Patton Avenue traffic. This alternative was eliminated due to operational deficiencies that would worsen the traffic operations along existing I-240 east of the project in downtown Asheville.

Public Involvement

The NCDOT has held numerous meetings with community leaders, local interest groups, business groups and the affected business owners and neighborhood groups about this project since 1989. For more information please see the Full Public Involvement Document