When the City of Asheville’s GAP Plan was adopted back in 2022, the section of Patton Avenue between Asheland and Coxe avenues was identified as high priority for Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance. It includes three curb ramps that aren’t ADA compliant, and according to the Asheville Downtown Association, it has 22 defects (like broken pavement and tree roots).
That was the genesis of the Patton Ave Sidewalk Accessibility Improvements project — and now, the first phase is breaking ground.
Starting tomorrow, Tuesday, March 12, the City will start removing existing sidewalks and trees. The south side of the street will be tackled first and will necessitate full sidewalk and right lane closure between Asheland and Coxe (take a look at the map for a visual).
Construction is expected to last about four or five weeks, but you don’t have to worry about too much interruption. Businesses in this area will stay open, pedestrians can still have access, and you’ll still be able to turn onto and off Patton.