ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — The city of Asheville has released the final report of the Downtown Patton Avenue Corridor Feasibility Study, laying out a long-term vision to improve safety, accessibility and economic vitality along one of the city’s primary downtown gateways.
The report recommends a series of phased and scalable improvements aimed at transforming Patton Avenue into a multimodal, pedestrian-friendly corridor that connects key areas of Asheville, including downtown, the River Arts District and nearby neighborhoods. The study aligns with the city’s urban development goals and complements ongoing state infrastructure efforts, including the N.C. Department of Transportation’s I-26 Connector project.
“This plan reflects our dedication to enhancing transportation and safety, fostering economic prosperity and embracing sustainable urban development for the benefit of all who live, work and visit our city,” city planner Vaidlia Satvika said in a news release.
- Multimodal transportation upgrades, such as a road diet, dedicated bike lanes, improved pedestrian crossings and roundabouts.
- Transit enhancements, including expanded bus stop infrastructure and improved connectivity.
- Land use changes, such as support for mixed-use development, form-based zoning, and pedestrian-oriented design.
- Safety improvements, including traffic calming, better lighting, and redesigned intersections to reduce crashes.
- Green infrastructure, including expanded tree canopy, stormwater management and new green spaces.
- Ongoing stakeholder collaboration, to ensure the project aligns with community and business needs.
Officials said the recommendations are designed to reduce vehicle-related crashes, improve pedestrian and cyclist safety and foster economic development through improved accessibility and mixed-use zoning…