ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Asheville City Council will consider revising a nearly $7 million agreement Tuesday, Nov. 10, to pay for bicycle, pedestrian and other improvements along the I-26 Connector.

The proposal is one of several items on a busy agenda that also includes millions in Tropical Storm Helene recovery funding, repairs to historic parks and changes to speed limits on several city streets.

Under the revised agreement, Asheville would contribute up to $6.95 million for improvements that go beyond the highway project’s basic design. The North Carolina Department of Transportation would contribute another $6.53 million, bringing the total to nearly $13.5 million.

The improvements would include sidewalks and bike lanes on the Haywood Road bridge, a paved greenway connecting Haywood Road and Patton Avenue, and a multiuse path linking the Hillcrest Apartments to Patton Avenue.

The plans also call for upgrades to the Bowen Bridges, including railings, planters and infrastructure for lighting. Other improvements include wider paths near Patton Avenue, decorative concrete treatments and lighting infrastructure along Riverside Drive.

The work is part of Sections B and D of the estimated $1.8 billion I-26 Connector project. Section B stretches from the Haywood Road interchange across the French Broad River toward Broadway Street. Section D includes Riverside Drive between Hill Street and Broadway Street.

The city’s financial commitment isn’t new. Asheville originally agreed to contribute about $7.3 million in 2023, an amount that was reduced to roughly $7 million the following year.

The latest agreement would lower the city’s share to $6.95 million after NCDOT revised the highway design to bring construction costs within its budget.

Those changes included reducing the number and size of certain bridges, the number and width of lanes, and other construction elements. The adjustments also allowed Asheville to shift some funding toward improvements associated with the new West Patton Avenue Bridge.

The city has about $1.4 million appropriated for the improvements, with another $5.54 million planned for fiscal year 2028.

Construction on the I-26 Connector began earlier this year and is expected to continue through 2031.

Other items on Tuesday’s agenda

Council also is scheduled to consider:

  • $30.4 million for Helene-damaged parks: Transferring previously allocated federal disaster recovery funding into the city’s capital projects fund. The money includes $21.375 million for French Broad River parks recovery and $9 million for Azalea parks and infrastructure. The transfer is an accounting step that would allow the city to pay for work as the projects move forward, not a new federal funding award.
  • Historic parks restoration: Awarding a $966,130 construction contract to Hendersonville-based Black & Alm Construction for repairs at Montford Park and Riverside Cemetery. With a 10% contingency, the total authorization would be about $1.06 million. The work includes repairs to historic stone retaining walls, fencing, pavement and stormwater infrastructure damaged by Helene.
  • $11.5 million in equipment financing: Authorizing installment financing of up to $11.5 million for city vehicles and equipment.
  • Property for the I-26 Connector: Approving two property transfers to NCDOT. One involves city-owned land near Birch Street, Westover Drive and Courtland Place, for which Asheville would receive $23,050. The other involves right of way and easements on property near Amboy Road that includes the French Broad Greenway. The city would receive $9,650 for that transaction.
  • A possible new public space in the River Arts District: Leasing a vacant, city-owned property at 91 Riverside Drive to the nonprofit RiverLink for $1 a year over 15 years. RiverLink proposes turning the property into a nature-focused public space with habitat restoration, passive recreation and art. The site is in a floodplain and is subject to a Brownfields Agreement.
  • Lower speed limits: Reducing the speed limit to 20 mph on portions of Roberts Street and West Haywood Street and setting a 25 mph limit along Choctaw Street. The changes would take effect after Council approval and installation of new signs.
  • Smith Mill Creek Greenway: Ratifying an application for a state grant to study a proposed 1.6-mile greenway. The feasibility study could cost up to $120,000, with the state covering 80% if the grant is awarded and Asheville providing a $24,000 match from previously programmed transportation bond funding.

City Council’s regular meeting begins at 5 p.m. Tuesday in the Council Chamber on the second floor of City Hall, 70 Court Plaza.

A Policy, Finance and Infrastructure work session is scheduled for 3 p.m. at City Hall. Public comment will not be accepted during the work session.