ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Here’s a look at the top local news stories from 828newsNOW this week.

A traffic study on the Merrimon corridor showed reductions in crashes, motor vehicle speeds and an increase in bicycle traffic.

Fewer crashes, more bicyclists on Merrimon Ave., study says: In October 2022, work began on the four- to three-lane conversion, also known as a “road diet,” which was part of a larger NCDOT project to resurface the 4-mile Merrimon Avenue corridor. The project was officially completed in May 2024. Almost a year and a half in, the numbers show a decrease in collisions, a decrease in collisions with injuries and only a 2- to 14-second increase in travel time. READ MORE

Dogwood Health Trust says an independent monitor found 3 possible violations of the terms of HCA’s acquisition of Mission Health.

HCA potentially violated Mission purchase deal, report says: Dogwood Health Trust has notified the N.C. Attorney General’s Office it plans to notify HCA Healthcare of potential violations of the terms of its 2019 purchase agreement for the Mission Health hospital system, based on the findings of an independent monitor and HCA’s annual report. Concerns include the provision of emergency and trauma services and oncology services at Mission Health, failure to remain “enrolled and in good standing” in Medicare and Medicaid and issues with uninsured and charity care policies. READ MORE

Work to replace lead and galvanized water lines in the Shiloh community is beginning.

Shiloh residents could get help replacing lead, galvanized water pipes: Work to replace lead and galvanized water lines in the Shiloh community is beginning. City officials said almost 600 properties in the Shiloh community will be inventoried to see if new water lines are needed. READ MORE

TSA has installed a fourth security screening lane to cut down on waiting times at Asheville Regional Airport,

4th security screening lane installed at AVL to combat long lines: Asheville Regional Airport just keeps getting busier and busier. That’s why a new security screening lane has been installed to meet the growing needs of the state’s third busiest commercial service airport. READ MORE

The Blue Ridge Snorkel Trail on the Swannanoa River at Veteran’s Park in Black Mountain.

Snorkel Trail offers unique look at rivers, streams: “Finding Nemo” taught a generation there’s a whole world under the waves. A local program seeks to help people see that world in person. Three Snorkel Trail spots are open in rivers near Asheville — Black Mountain, Canton and Mills River. READ MORE

Plywood covers the doors and windows of many of the houses on Hanover Street. The NCDOT has acquired the homes to make way for the Interstate 26 Connector project.

Houses coming down to make way for I-26 Connector: The area around State and Hanover streets and Fairfax Avenue is looking a little different these days. Plywood covers the doors and windows of many of the houses, and ‘no trespassing’ signs have been attached to the fronts of those homes. The North Carolina Department of Transportation has acquired several properties in the area — the West Section — as part of the Interstate 26 Connector project. READ MORE

Asheville Radio Musem curator Stuart Smolkin displays the first wireless remote for a radio.

Museum gets new space to showcase history of radio: Asheville Radio Museum is touted by its volunteer staff as “one of the best-kept secrets in Asheville.” Three weeks ago, the museum moved from a 350-square-foot oversized closet to a 1050-square-foot classroom on the third floor of the Elm Building on the campus of Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College. Audibly and visually, the new space offers more educational opportunities for locals and tourists, alike. READ MORE

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