ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — A sidewalk construction project aimed at improving pedestrian access on West Patton Avenue is drawing criticism from Asheville drivers caught in growing traffic congestion near the intersection of Patton Avenue and New Leicester Highway.
The West Patton Avenue Sidewalk Project began this week, closing a lane on the eastbound side of Patton Avenue in front of a strip mall near KFC. The lane closure has caused delays and led to frustration among drivers, some of whom have been seen honking, yelling and attempting to force their way through gridlocked intersections.
One flashpoint has been the left-turn lane from New Leicester Highway, where drivers have pulled into the intersection without a clear path forward, only to be trapped by red lights. That, in turn, has blocked vehicles trying to cross Patton Avenue from the road between Alan’s Pawn Shop and Walgreens.
After sitting through two green lights without being able to turn, one driver began honking and shouting profanities as he maneuvered through stopped traffic. Other drivers responded with their horns and shouts as the bottleneck intensified…