The City of Asheville is excited to announce the beginning of pre-construction activities in the River Arts District for River Arts District Transportation Improvement Project (RADTIP), an important transportation project that improves public safety and includes the installation of sidewalks, street trees, public art, bike lanes and greenways.
City staff will communicate with the public throughout this project. Schedules, any known traffic impacts, project updates, a construction and closures map, and additional resources are available by clicking the “RADTIP PROJECT UPDATES” button at ashevillenc.gov/River.
Here are some new updates on the project.
On the ground activity*
July 18: Utility relocation will begin in the River Arts District along Riverside Drive. PSCN is scheduled to start a gas line replacement. They are scheduled to work through September 16. This will lead to lane closures on Riverside Drive from 12 Bones to the rail road trestle bridge.
August 2016: Tree clearing will begin in preparation for Duke Energy and other utility relocation. This is scheduled to continue until March 2017. Expect road and lane closures in the area. All of these details can be found at ashevillenc.gov/River as they develop. More information is also below.
March 2017: Construction is scheduled to begin on RADTIP and will continue through 2020.
*These schedules are subject to change to get the work done! We appreciate your patience as there are many moving parts.
Camping and homeless populations
Due to preconstruction activities in the area camping is no longer safe. There are several emergency shelter and support services to assist anyone camping in the area effected by displacement. City Resource Officers are currently providing this information to campers in the area. All of the resources available are listed on the Resources tab on ashevillenc.gov/River. If you see someone camping in the area please contact Asheville Police Department at 828-252-1110. If you need information on additional community services, contact 211.
Tree removal and free wood
Tree clearing will begin in August 2016. The City of Asheville is working closely with Duke Energy and their contractors to remove trees in the effected utility relocation areas. Trees will be replanted in later stages of construction.
Some of this wood may be useful for firewood or art. Wood from the removed trees will be cut and stored at the corner of Riverside and Haywood. This wood is available to the public on a first come first serve basis.
Please note the following rules:
- No use of wood cutting tools or splitters of any kind are permitted on-site except by Duke Energy or their contractors.
- All wood shall be loaded and hauled off-site by individuals.
- No wood or other materials shall be brought on-site by individuals other than Duke Energy or their contractors.
- No climbing shall be permitted on the lumber stored at these locations.
- Children are not permitted at these stored lumber sites.
- Individuals loading, hauling, and transporting the wood materials do so at their own risk and agree to indemnify and hold harmless the City of Asheville, Duke Energy, and their contractors for all damage or loss that may arise in association with said activities.
Transportation, access and parking
Parking on City property will be significantly reduced starting in August 2016 due to preconstruction activities. Please help keep bikers safe by not parking in designated bike lanes. Expect delays from road and lane closures during this time. You can view a preconstruction parking and river access map and a road closure map at ashevillenc.gov/River.
Parks and river access points at Jean Webb Park and RiverLink will remain open through summer 2016.
August 13: RiverFest and Anything-That-Floats Parade will remain on RiverLink Property / Riverside Drive.
September 9: RiverMusic moves to Carrier Park
October 7: RiverMusic moves to Carrier Park
Click here for more information about RiverLink festivals.
Businesses in the area
The Riverfront Office is working with RADA and RADBA (River Arts Districts Artists and River Arts District Business Association) and other area business owners to create a Business Kit with resources to help you. We are working to design signage and other information. If you have input on specific things that will be helpful please contact us. We anticipate these resources to be available by late August.
More information
For maps, schedules and more information visit ashevillenc.gov/River. You can also contact Stephanie Monson Dahl at the Riverfront Office at 828-232-4502.
Related coverage
Preconstruction staging for River Arts District Transportation Improvement Project to begin