Johnston Boulevard sidewalk construction starts in West Asheville in February

Crews have started work to add about one mile of sidewalk along Johnston Boulevard in West Asheville, a project intended to improve pedestrian safety and better connect neighborhoods with Johnston Elementary School and local parks.

Work began Feb. 4 and is expected to take about 18 months to complete. The project will run along a main West Asheville thoroughfare from Patton Avenue to Johnston Elementary School and follows a plan prioritized by residents during public outreach for the 2016 general obligation bond referendum. “The long-awaited sidewalk has a $5.2 million price tag, according to an October staff update.”

City materials describe the route in detail: at the south end the proposed sidewalk follows the east side of Johnston Boulevard until reaching Rash Road, where a crosswalk will move the path to the west side to Bear Creek Road. The sidewalk then crosses back to the east side for a shorter segment, with a final crosswalk at Iona Circle leading to Johnston Elementary School. The city has published maps of the work area on its project page to show these alignments.

City officials say the work is meant to “improve mobility, safety, and continuity for pedestrians and provide connections to local schools and parks. Notable user bases in this area include Johnston Elementary School, users of Roger Farmer Park, and the neighborhood residential and commercial areas.” Construction impacts are expected but the city notes the contractor plans to limit disruptions: “According to the city release, the project contractor plans to avoid traffic disruption during peak hours and to prevent unnecessary noise when possible.” The city has not yet named a prime contractor in its public materials.

Residents who want to learn more or raise concerns can attend a community meeting at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 18 in the library at Johnston Elementary School, 230 Johnston Blvd. The project team will use that meeting to explain phasing and answer questions; the city also says it will provide regular project updates by email to subscribers on the project page.

For parents, pedestrians and small businesses along the corridor, the sidewalk should provide safer, continuous routes to school, Roger Farmer Park and local shops once finished. In the near term expect occasional lane or sidewalk closures and construction activity as crews stage materials and install crosswalks and curb ramps. The meeting on Feb. 18 and the city’s email updates will be the best ways to track timing and localized traffic plans as the 18-month work window progresses.