Planning & Economic Development – June 10, 2024

Planning & Economic Development Committee Meeting Recap – June 10, 2024

The Planning, Economic Development and Environment Committee held a remote meeting on June 10, 2024, attended by all committee members and staff from the City of Asheville and the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT). The meeting, which was streamed live for public viewing and participation via phone, focused primarily on updates regarding the ongoing I-26 Connector Project (I-2513) and related matters.

Key Decisions & Contract Award: The committee formally approved the minutes from their previous meeting on May 13, 2024. A significant decision was the awarding of a contract to Archer Wright Joint Venture for the North Section (I-2513BD) of the I-26 Connector Project. This section, a crucial part of the overall project, will involve widening I-26 and I-40 to six lanes between Haywood Road and Patton Avenue, alongside improvements to the Haywood Road and Broadway Road interchanges, Riverside Drive enhancements, and construction of new interstate bridges across the French Broad River.

Discussion Highlights: The I-26 Connector Project & Optimization Efforts: A large portion of the meeting was dedicated to an update from NCDOT representatives Nathan Moneyham and Chris Dayton on the I-26 Connector Project. While construction is slated to begin later this fall in other sections (South and West), the focus was on the North Section. Due to unexpectedly high bids exceeding allowable ranges, NCDOT is implementing a six-month “Optimization & Refinement” (ONR) process with Archer Wright Joint Venture. This process aims to identify cost savings and construction efficiencies without compromising the project's core goals. NCDOT officials emphasized that this approach, borrowed from Arkansas DOT practices, will help manage project risk and optimize spending while protecting intellectual property. Councilwoman Ullman and Turner inquired about assurances that key community agreements, including preventing interstate traffic on the Bowen Bridge, ensuring safe multimodal connections, and upholding city funding ethics, would be maintained throughout this process. NCDOT responded by reaffirming their commitment to upholding the environmental impact statement and state treatment agreements.

Community Input: There were no public comments received during this meeting, providing a solely technical discussion between committee members and NCDOT representatives.

Action Items & What's Next: Over the next six months, NCDOT and Archer Wright Joint Venture will collaborate closely on the ONR process. This includes stakeholder meetings to gather input on potential changes and cost-saving measures. Following this period, NCDOT will negotiate a final contract amount with Archer Wright Joint Venture. Looking ahead, the committee anticipates reviewing updates on micro-mobility ordinance revisions, implementation of the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) related to the comprehensive plan, and a feasibility study for the Reed Creek Greenway.

Why This Matters: The I-26 Connector Project is a major infrastructure undertaking that will significantly impact transportation and connectivity within Asheville. The current ONR process, while necessary to address budget concerns, will directly influence the final scope and design of this vital project. Residents are encouraged to stay informed through the City of Asheville’s virtual engagement hub for more information and updates on this ongoing initiative.