ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — A $116 million proposal could bring some big changes to Reems Creek Road in northern Buncombe County, including wider lanes, paved shoulders and improvements to curves and hills along the route.

But first, the project has to compete for state funding, and residents have until Nov. 18 to weigh in.

The proposed improvements would cover Reems Creek Road between Weaverville Highway (U.S. 19/23 Business) and Ox Creek Road.

According to the French Broad River Metropolitan Planning Organization, the work would include widening travel lanes, adding paved shoulders and adjusting curves and grades where possible to improve driving conditions.

The shoulders could also provide more room for people walking or biking, while giving drivers extra space in emergencies.

The project carries an estimated $116 million price tag, according to the MPO’s October 2026 draft transportation funding priorities.

It’s one of several projects being evaluated through North Carolina’s Prioritization 8.0 process, known as P8.0, which helps determine which transportation improvements will be considered for funding in the state’s 2028-2037 transportation improvement program.

The MPO is recommending that the Reems Creek Road project receive 100 local input points, which would help it compete for funding.

Those points are important. They account for half of a project’s score in the Division Needs funding category. The other half comes from data-driven scoring.

But even with 100 proposed points, there’s no guarantee the road improvements will receive funding. The MPO has warned that money is expected to be limited in this round.

For now, the improvements remain a proposal. No construction schedule has been announced, and funding has not been secured.

The MPO is asking residents who travel Reems Creek Road what changes they believe would make the biggest difference.

Public comments on the proposed funding priorities will be accepted through Nov. 18. Comments can be emailed to mpo@landofsky.org.

The MPO board is scheduled to consider final local input point assignments Nov. 19 at 1 p.m. at the Land of Sky Regional Council, 339 New Leicester Highway, Suite 140, in Asheville. Virtual participation is also available.

The meeting will help determine which projects receive local priority points, not whether construction can begin.

State transportation officials are expected to select projects for Division Needs funding in early 2027, with the final 2028-2037 transportation improvement program scheduled for adoption that summer.

More information about the proposed improvements and the funding process is available on the French Broad River MPO’s website.