Asheville Traffic Patterns Shift as Greenway Connector Work Begins

City officials announced this week that construction associated with the Greenway Connector project is altering existing traffic patterns and pedestrian routes at the intersection of McDowell Street and Southside Avenue. The work began Dec. 9 and continues through Dec. 13, with daytime lane closures scheduled from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The most visible change is the removal of the northbound right turn slip lane from McDowell Street onto eastbound Southside Avenue. McDowell Street will remain a four lane road, and a right turn lane onto Southside Avenue will be maintained at the intersection. The left turn lane from northbound McDowell Street onto Phifer Street will remain in place, preserving that movement for commuters and local traffic.

“These changes will allow for safer multimodal travel as well as continuous sidewalk and crosswalks for pedestrians in this intersection,” wrote Kim Miller, city communication specialist, in the release. City officials say the Greenway Connector project seeks to increase safety and connectivity along Asheville greenway corridors, aligning the intersection with broader efforts to prioritize pedestrians and non motorized travel.

Locally the work is likely to affect morning and afternoon commutes for drivers and transit riders who use McDowell Street, as well as cyclists and pedestrians accessing the nearby greenway. Expect temporary delays and changed turning patterns while crews are on site. Motorists should follow posted signs and traffic control, and pedestrians should use the temporary routing provided to reach continuous sidewalks and crosswalks.

The project is part of a larger push to better connect greenway segments and improve multimodal access in Asheville, reflecting comparable efforts in cities worldwide to balance vehicular flow with pedestrian safety. For residents who want ongoing information, subscribe for email updates on the project page to receive notices about schedule changes, traffic impacts, and progress through the rest of the Connector work.