Merrimon Avenue (US 25) Intersection Improvements
Fast Facts
NCDOT TIP # U-5781 & U-5782
Project Type: Intersection improvements
Affected Counties: Buncombe
Estimated Cost: $ 1,391,000
Description
The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) plans to widen Merrimon Avenue (US 25) at its intersections with Edgewood Road and W.T. Weaver Boulevard in Asheville, North Carolina. The purpose of the projects is to improve traffic and safety conditions on Merrimon Avenue near the intersections.
The projects involve adding a left turn lane from Merrimon Avenue onto W.T. Weaver Boulevard, building a center turn lane on Merrimon Avenue from W.T. Weaver Boulevard north toward Edgewood Road, adding exclusive left turn lanes at Edgewood Road, providing a safer connection for Clearview Terrace, and adding right-in/right-out only lanes at Murdock Avenue and Woodward Avenue. New sidewalks are also being considered.
Public reaction to NCDOT has been both positive and negative. Some residents say the proposed widening at the intersection is necessary to handle increasing traffic congestion. Others have expressed concern about the local road becoming like a highway. There is also concern for roadway conditions for bicyclists and pedestrians.
News/Publications
- Citizen Times: Merrimon Avenue widening plan too much for some, can’t come soon enough for others
- Citizen Times: NCDOT proposes widening part of Merrimon Avenue in North Asheville
- Mountain Xpress: UPDATED Residents to DOT: Let us participate in Merrimon planning
Map
Schedule
- Right-of-way acquisition – late 2018
- Start Construction – 2019
- End Construction – 2020
Property Takings
It is estimated that over 40 parcels of property will be impacted by this project. Currently the NCDOT has set aside $225,000 for right-of-way takings. If your property will be affected, contact one of our attorneys (two of whom previously worked on behalf of the NCDOT) for a free case evaluation.