ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — The city of Asheville is moving ahead with plans to restore sidewalks along a portion of North Lexington Avenue, with a public information session scheduled for Feb. 26.
Funded by the city’s 2024 general obligation bond, the project targets the northern section of Lexington Avenue between Woodfin/Hiawassee Street and Walnut Street. City officials say the work is intended to improve pedestrian safety and accessibility while preserving the corridor’s distinctive character.
Lexington Avenue is known for its brick paver sidewalks, which have become a defining feature of the street. However, years of wear and patchwork repairs have led to loose bricks and uneven surfaces that city staff say are increasingly difficult to maintain.
The project calls for full sidewalk replacement on both sides of the street within the designated area. Plans include installing new brick pavers, pending final site and cost analysis, to maintain the street’s historic aesthetic.
City officials say the redesigned sidewalks will meet Public Rights-of-Way Accessibility Guidelines and comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act, including upgrades to driveway cuts and curb ramps.
The project also aims to preserve existing street trees where possible and plant replacements when preservation is not feasible.
The city will host a public presentation and question-and-answer session at 5:30 p.m. Feb. 26 at DSSOLVR, 63 N. Lexington Ave. Attendees will be able to view initial renderings and speak with members of the project team. Light refreshments and children’s activities will be provided.
For those unable to attend in person, the city plans to offer an online feedback option through its project webpage.
“This project is about more than just fixing bricks; it’s meant to ensure that one of our community’s most vibrant streets remains safe and accessible for everyone,” Ashley Haire, the city’s director of transportation, said in a statement encouraging residents to attend.
The design phase is expected to conclude in mid-2026, with construction anticipated to begin before the end of the year. Project updates will be shared with subscribers through the city’s project page.