ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — A sidewalk construction project aimed at improving pedestrian access on West Patton Avenue is drawing criticism from Asheville drivers caught in growing traffic congestion near the intersection of Patton Avenue and New Leicester Highway.
The West Patton Avenue Sidewalk Project began this week, closing a lane on the eastbound side of Patton Avenue in front of a strip mall near KFC. The lane closure has caused delays and led to frustration among drivers, some of whom have been seen honking, yelling and attempting to force their way through gridlocked intersections.
One flashpoint has been the left-turn lane from New Leicester Highway, where drivers have pulled into the intersection without a clear path forward, only to be trapped by red lights. That, in turn, has blocked vehicles trying to cross Patton Avenue from the road between Alan’s Pawn Shop and Walgreens.
After sitting through two green lights without being able to turn, one driver began honking and shouting profanities as he maneuvered through stopped traffic. Other drivers responded with their horns and shouts as the bottleneck intensified.
“It’s scary. I don’t know why they didn’t do this at night,” said an employee of a business located along the affected stretch of Patton Avenue. “We can’t even leave to get lunch or run errands because it’s such a nightmare trying to get back.”
City officials said temporary changes in traffic patterns related to construction are not ideal, but are a necessary means to safely build and maintain public infrastructure.
“With construction having just kicked off this week, our project manager and construction inspectors are continually observing the project site, checking in with directly impacted stakeholders and working with the contractor to understand and address concerns,” a city spokesperson said. “At this time, dayside construction is to take place outside of peak traffic times to help mitigate area and user impact. The project team will consider adjustments, including night work, where possible and in order to maintain safety and efficiency of the project and its traffic impact.”
According to city officials, the project will install approximately 0.45 miles of new sidewalk along the eastbound lanes, connecting with existing sidewalks. The upgrades include new crosswalks, ADA-compliant bus stop pads and improved stormwater management with added curb and gutter.
The sidewalk project is part of a package of transportation improvements funded primarily by a 2016 voter-approved bond referendum. The North Carolina Department of Transportation is also providing additional support. The corridor was identified as a high-priority area for pedestrian and ADA improvements in the city’s GAP Plan.
Construction is expected to last five months, with completion anticipated in late 2025.
Work is permitted from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, with lane closures typically occurring between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. City officials said contractors will attempt to avoid peak traffic hours and maintain business access throughout the project. Signs and detours will help direct traffic around the work zone.
Residents can also expect construction noise and equipment in the area during active work hours.