Which Asheville city roads are up for resurfacing? What to know about projects, timeline

ASHEVILLE - Six miles of Asheville city streets will be getting $2.3 million worth of resurfacing in an annual project targeting some of the city's roughest roads.

Asheville City Council approved the contract with Tarheel Paving and Asphalt at its April 11 meeting as part of its consent agenda, a single motion and vote typically reserved for multiple routine, non-controversial items that do not require discussion.

The fiscal year 2023 contract totals $2,329,446, plus a 15% contingency of $349,417, and will address 14 street segments on 13 streets as well as concrete sidewalk repairs and Americans with Disabilities Act improvements.

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City spokesperson Kim Miller said streets were selected using a "multi-phase" approach with "software designed to optimize spending."

However, this optimization does not always provide a 'worst first' approach, so staff, ultimately, determines the final list."

Street teams take several factors into account when analyzing data versus community needs such as equity, location and other capital projects or partner projects, like utilities, that may affect the road.

Street list

North Asheville:

• Gibson Road (0.51 miles)

• Hill Street, I-26 off ramp to Hill Street Baptist Church (0.43 miles)

• Jersey Street (0.05 miles)

East Asheville:

• Bull Mountain Road, Governors View to Pinedale Road (0.08 miles)

• Bull Mountain Road, Campground Road to Riceville Road (0.77 miles)

• Fairview Road (Sweeten Creek Road to Onteora Boulevard (1.65 miles)

• Pine Cone Drive (0.17 miles)

• Silverstone Drive (0.16 miles)

South:

• Lee Street (0.12 miles)

West:

• Lower Edgewood Road (0.53 miles)

• Oak Hill Circle (0.14 miles)

• Oak Hill Drive (0.37 miles)

• Popple Street (0.11 miles)

• Ridgefield Boulevard (0.80 miles)

Funding for this contract was previously budgeted and is available in the General Capital Projects Fund. The contract is expected to begin in May. The contractor has until Dec. 15 to complete the work.

Miller said "better than expected" bid prices left enough funds for the streets division to consider additional roads.

"Another contract is already being drawn up and will go out for bid," she said. "This addition will not be as extensive as the original list of streets, but it does mean City of Asheville crews will be able to complete more resurfacing this year than originally projected."

The city maintains approximately 404 miles of streets and 195 miles of sidewalk. To report potholes or other maintenance needs, use the Asheville App or call 828-259-5852.

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Bond project updates, more

Despite an optimistic turnout from bidders on the road resurfacing project, staff said that isn't typical for many city projects, where bidding complications are throwing a wrench in some bond project timelines.

Capital Projects Director Jade Dundas said low bidder turnout from qualified vendors is resulting in project delivery delays and higher pricing, but a contract with C.A. Harris Construction Services Inc., is intended to help improve "contracting inclusivity" and address existing disparities.

“Bid turnout is currently a big challenge for us,” Dundas said.

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According to a brief bond projects update, design work was finalized for all seven sidewalks projects, with the exception of Vermont Avenue. These include projects on New Haw Creek Road, Johnston Boulevard, Onteora Boulevard, the Shiloh area, Patton Avenue and Airport Road.

Several are pending N.C. Department of Transportation final design review and right of way acquisition, but council awards of bids are estimated for coming months, with the latest in October.

The city's 2016 general obligation bond projects must be encumbered by mid-October.

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City Hall projects update

Dundas also offered updates on the $4.8 million in City Hall projects done since fiscal year 2017, including belfry roof repairs, elevator fixes and assessments for the seventh floor, which after being stripped down nearly to the studs, cleaned for asbestos and lead-based paint, is largely unfinished.

City Hall, at 70 Court Plaza in downtown, is a historic Art Deco building. Constructed from 1926-1928, "A Guide to the Historic Architecture of Western North Carolina" describes it as a "delectable masterpiece," attributing the design to architect Douglas Ellington's "sure handling of geometry and color and his blend of Beaux Arts principles with Art Deco motifs."

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Dundas said once funding is secured, the seventh floor is "ready for renovation."

"This building is showing its 100 years," Dundas said. "Right now we're not pushed to need this space ... but this will additionally be necessary."

Sarah Honosky is the city government reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA TODAY Network. News Tips? Email shonosky@citizentimes.com or message on Twitter at @slhonosky. Please support local, daily journalism with a subscription to the Citizen Times.

This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Asheville City Council roundup: Road resurfacing, sidewalks, City Hall