City of Asheville issued the following announcement on Aug. 24.
Addressing the public at City Council on August 23, City Manager Debra Campbell took time to clarify the delay to the plan and steps forward for the Biltmore restriping project, but also reiterated the City’s commitment to multi-modal ready streets throughout our community. The City believes multi-modal transportation serves and supports not only the diverse needs of our community, but promotes Council priorities of a well planned and livable community, improved transportation and accessibility, as well as contributing to a clean and healthy environment.
The City is committed to implementing the plans, policies, and goals developed by the community that call for improvements to multimodal transportation and the creation of a connected and safe bicycle network, including in Downtown Asheville.
Why the delay?
The City of Asheville spoke with business owners, property owners, and the broader public about a proposal to add bicycle lanes to Biltmore Avenue between Patton and Hilliard Avenues, in conjunction with the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT)’s upcoming repaving and re-striping project.
Based on community and stakeholder input, the City has decided to take a phased approach to improving this section of Biltmore Avenue. In direct response to business concerns, the City will first work with the NCDOT to address immediate functional and operational issues related to loading and vehicle speeds.
Next Steps
Bike lanes will not be added at this time, rather the City will aim to enhance delivery access in the corridor by adding new loading zones and expanding existing ones. Additionally, the City will work with NCDOT during this time to evaluate the potential for lowering the speed limit on Biltmore between Aston and Hilliard to encourage slower vehicle speeds.
Following NCDOT’s repaving project, the City will work with corridor stakeholders to evaluate the effectiveness of the added loading spaces and will implement changes as necessary. Additional public engagement will occur on the proposal to add bicycle facilities to the corridor and additional options will be developed for consideration.
Original source can be found here.
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