Last week, the city released the final report of the Downtown Patton Avenue Corridor Feasibility Study. The study looks at the stretch of Patton Avenue, east from Jeff Bowen Bridge to Pack Square, assessing how the corridor can be transformed into a safer multimodal, pedestrian-friendly gateway to downtown. It also aims to offer greater connectivity with adjacent neighborhoods, an effort that's being coordinated with plans for the I-26 Connector Project.

Since the fall of 2023, public input has shaped the study, prompting six overarching recommendations:

Multimodal improvements
One of the biggest buzzwords of the report is "roundabout." Recommended roundabouts at the intersection of Patton Avenue and Clingman Avenue and Clingman Avenue and Hilliard Avenue would slow traffic speeds, allow for public art and landscaping, as well as improve walkability. A potential extension of Hilliard Avenue to Patton Avenue was also studied. Additional recommendations include a road diet and dedicated bike lanes to improve rider safety.

Public transit enhancements
The report detailed the benefits of adding shelters, seating, lighting, and signage to bus stops, in addition to making them ADA-compliant. Representatives from a community focus group also recommended aligning bus stops with crosswalks for safety + accessibility.

Land use and zoning adjustments
Support for mixed-use development along the corridor is included in the study for its role in improving walkability and the liveliness of the downtown gateway. The study also supports form-based zoning, which assesses how buildings and public spaces work relate to each other.

This rendering illustrates the two recommended roundabouts. | Graphic via City of Asheville

Safety and traffic calming measures
Back to those roundabouts. Crash data supports the implementation of roundabouts, a road diet, and reconfiguration of intersections, but recommendations also include increased lighting.

Green infrastructure
Recommendations include solutions to reduce runoff and mitigate localized flooding, like rain gardens, stormwater planters, and permeable paving. The city recently finished two projects along Patton, including a stormwater management project. The tree canopy will also be increased, which in turn, encourages slower speeds.

Stakeholder collaboration
Cooperation between local officials, business owners, and the community is encouraged to align with future projects.

Now, let's talk implementation. The study provides a conceptual framework, and additional steps need to be taken to secure funding — all that to say there are no plans for construction just yet. Cost estimates show the road diet plans totaling $1.895 million, and the two roundabouts and Hilliard Avenue extension totaling $11.24 million.

If you want to dive deeper into the study, you can read up on the city's website.