Answer Man: Why replace newer RAD sidewalks? Why not repair other Asheville sidewalks?
ASHEVILLE - While walking near the River Arts District, a reader was stumped as to why sidewalks were being replaced when the area had just recently finished construction. Faulty sidewalks? Why not replace others? Got a question for Answer Man or Answer Woman? Email Executive Editor Karen Chávez at KChavez@citizentimes.com and your question could appear in an upcoming column.
Question: I have been watching crews treat up the new sidewalks along the river in the RAD and replace them. These are very new sidewalks that look to be in great shape. Why is this being done when there are so many areas in Asheville that need sidewalks or need old sidewalks replaced.
Answer: Reader, I’m glad to see that you are enjoying the sidewalks through the River Arts District, as it seems the city is aiming to make these sidewalks accessible for all.
While construction of the Wilma Dykeman Greenway was completed in 2021, City Council adopted the Close the GAP Plan, which aims to improve accessibility for the greenway, along with public streets and sidewalks across Asheville.
As a result, one area of sidewalks along Riverside Drive and Lyman Street is being replaced to meet standards set by the Americans with Disabilities Act, city spokesperson Kim Miller said.
“The replacement work is expected to continue through September. The area encompasses just under 3,000 linear feet,” Miller said in an email. “The area was determined to not be ADA compliant and that is what is being addressed, as we want everyone in our community to be able to enjoy the River Arts District.”
After the sidewalk did not meet design specifications, the joint contractors for the project, Beverly-Grant and Barnhill, are replacing the sidewalks at their cost, Miller said.
As for the other sidewalks of concern, it seems like the city has been working to identify and fund other sidewalk projects.
In total, the GAP Plan has identified over 150 priority projects that will raise ADA standards for various roads and pedestrian services, including adding new sidewalks alongside improving existing sidewalks. Funding for many projects already exists, and construction has started for several, including sidewalks along New Leicester Highway in West Asheville.
Sidewalks in 'poor condition'
Of those survey in the GAP Plan, 22 locations surveyed by the project have been rated as “poor condition,” indicating a need for significant ADA upgrades.
Here's a short list of sidewalk segments rated for needing improvement or ADA upgrades:
Southside Avenue to Thompson Street project.
Project will widen sidewalks or add a buffer from traffic, while providing more crossing locations. Located on Biltmore Avenue.
Chunns Cove Road to South Tunnel Road project.
Project will complete a pre-existing sidewalk alongside widening the sidewalk, add more crossing locations. Located on Tunnel Road.
French Broad River Bridge project.
Will add sidewalks to both sides of the bridge crossing the French Broad on Amboy Road.
Plans to fix sidewalks: See Asheville's top 10 priority greenway projects, plan to fix 'oatmeal cookie sidewalks'
Sidewalk clean-up: Asheville Answer Woman: Is it illegal to leave grass clippings on the sidewalk, road?
New sidewalks in town: Construction contracts incoming for Vermont Ave. and other city sidewalks
Will Hofmann is the Growth and Development Reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA Today Network. Got a tip? Email him at WHofmann@citizentimes.com.
This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Answer Man: Why replace RAD sidewalks, not poorer Asheville sidewalks?
