ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Construction has officially started on the first segment of the Swannanoa River Greenway. The bond-funded project will provide a scenic and accessible multi-use path along a busy transportation corridor in East Asheville, city officials said in a news release.
This segment of the Swannanoa River Greenway will be a paved pathway that spans about a mile, connecting to an existing paved path at Riverbend Park and continuing west along the southern banks of the Swannanoa River underneath Interstate 240 and Tunnel Road before ending at the intersection of Glendale Avenue and Thompson Street.
“The Swannanoa River Greenway is a significant investment in the future of our community,” Transportation Planning Manager Lucy Crown said in a news release. “It is the first phase of a greenway network that heads to the city’s east side. It is also in a burgeoning area with breweries and eating locations. People love to have a destination to go to on a greenway. We are excited to see this project come to fruition.”
Construction on the first segment of the Swannanoa River Greenway is expected to be completed in late 2025.
The Swannanoa River Greenway project — a 2016 voter-approved Transportation Bond project — was identified as the city’s top priority greenway in the GAP Plan. The project is also part of the future 100-mile Fonta Flora State Trail, connecting Morganton to Asheville.
Other segments of the Swannanoa River Greenway will continue along the river in both directions, terminating in the east at Azalea Road and Tunnel Road and connecting in the west to the River Arts District and West Asheville greenway network. Once completed, the Swannanoa River Greenway will total 7.5 miles.