Two greenway projects got a green light from Asheville City Council this week. At their Feb. 25, meeting Council approved execution of contracts for:
- The Elsie’s Bridge Greenway Connector Project; and
- Construction of a Reed Creek Greenway Extension.
The Council action paves the way for both projects to happen this year.
Elsie’s Bridge Greenway Connector
This project repurposes a former bridge to connect Depot Street to Ralph Street. It will include construction of a concrete trail path, connecting sidewalk, refurbishment of the bridge surface and installation of handrail. Once complete, plans call for City-owned property near Elsie’s Bridge will be transformed into a community garden!
This is a bond project, with the contract to Austin Construction and Grading Co. in the amount of $108,759.08. Construction is expected to take 90 days.
This is called a greenway connector project because it is expected to connect to the Town Branch Greenway, once it is constructed.
Reed Creek Greenway Extension
The Reed Creek Greenway begins at the Botanical Gardens at Asheville on W.T. Weaver Boulevard, and runs parallel to Broadway Street along Reed Creek. It has a slightly urban feel, due to the proximity of the development along portions of Broadway.
The new portion of the greenway — the extension — will run behind a mixed-use building under construction in the West Chestnut Street Bridge area south to Elizabeth Street. The greenway extension will run between Magnolia Avenue and Elizabeth Street.
Funding for this project is also included in the City’s 2016 Bond Program. The contract is with Piedmont Utility Group for $149,523.50. Construction is expected to take 90 days.
Both greenway projects will come to life this year, under the supervision of the City’s Capital Projects Department.
These actions align with City Council’s stated goals of a well-planned and livable community, a clean and healthy environment and an equitable and diverse community.
For more information about City of Asheville greenways, visit this interactive online map.
About the bond projects
The $74 million in bonds approved by voters in 2016 includes projects categorized in three areas: parks ($17 million), affordable housing ($25 million) and transportation ($32 million). From planning, projects move to design process and then into construction phase. Keep up with project phases, including money spent and other details, by visiting the City’s Capital Improvement Project and Bond Dashboard at this link.
Find more information about the City’s Bond initiative on the City of Asheville website.
