Greenway Construction Progress
Asheville residents, hold on to your hats because some big changes are on the horizon! The City of Asheville is thrilled to announce that construction has officially kicked off on the much-anticipated Swannanoa River Greenway. This project, funded by the 2016 Transportation Bond, aims to create a beautiful multi-use path along an essential transportation corridor in East Asheville.
The first segment of the Swannanoa River Greenway will stretch approximately one mile. It’s designed to provide a smooth, paved pathway that connects to an existing path at Riverbend Park, ultimately continuing westward along the lovely southern banks of the Swannanoa River. Picture it: walking or biking under I-240 and Tunnel Road while soaking in the beautiful scenery, ending at the intersection of Glendale Avenue and Thompson Street. Talk about a refreshing way to move around town!
Lucy Crown, the Transportation Planning Manager, expressed her excitement about the project, saying, “The Swannanoa River Greenway is a significant investment in the future of our community. It is the first phase of a greenway network that heads to the city’s east side. It is also in a burgeoning area with breweries and eating locations. People love to have a destination to go to on a greenway. We are excited to see this project come to fruition.” Amen to that, Lucy!
The construction for this segment is expected to wrap up by late 2025, which means we have a bit of a wait ahead, but it will surely be worth it. All in all, the work should take about a year, and we can hardly contain our excitement for when we can finally stroll along this new path.
Now, let’s not forget—this is just the beginning! The Swannanoa River Greenway is set to be a part of the upcoming 100-mile Fonta Flora State Trail, linking the lovely towns of Morganton and Asheville. Future segments of the Greenway are in the works, and will continue along the river in both directions. In the eastern direction, it will wrap around to Azalea Road and Tunnel Road, while heading west will lead us to the River Arts District and the West Asheville greenway network. When all is said and done, the Swannanoa River Greenway will be an impressive 7.5 miles in length! That’s a lot of space to explore, walk, jog, or bike.
For those eager to keep up with the latest updates on this exciting project, you can sign up for updates directly on the Swannanoa River Greenway project page. It’s a great way to stay informed about construction timelines and future plans as they come together.
The Swannanoa River Greenway is more than just a pathway; it symbolizes a commitment to enhancing the quality of life in Asheville. Not only will it provide us with a beautiful route to enjoy nature and exercise, but it will also connect us with local businesses, parks, and recreational areas. This project showcases the city’s dedication to creating a vibrant community where everyone can enjoy and appreciate the great outdoors.
As we embark on this journey towards a more connected Asheville, let’s be patient and supportive as the construction unfolds. We can’t wait to lace up our walking shoes or hop on our bikes to explore this natural gem once it opens. Here’s to new beginnings and exciting adventures along the Swannanoa River Greenway!
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