ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — A controversial redesign of the Interstate 26 Connector project continues to spark backlash among Asheville residents and business owners, who say the latest proposal undermines years of community input.
In February, the North Carolina Department of Transportation announced a cost-saving redesign of the northern section of the project. The updated plan, which includes a flyover bridge across the French Broad River, would reduce costs by $63 million, bringing the total estimate to $1.023 billion.
The redesign places I-26 above Patton Avenue — Asheville’s main thoroughfare — replacing the previously endorsed plan, known as Preferred Alternative 4B, which would have routed the highway beneath the road. Many residents argue the flyover plan ignores community feedback and threatens local businesses and neighborhoods…