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Chamber Makes I-26 Connector Recommendation

The Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce recognizes the I-26 connector project as the most important infrastructure decision to face our region in decades. There is a critical need for a direct, multilane, freeway facility meeting interstate standards from the Port of Charleston, South Carolina to I-81 near Kingsport, Tennessee. The Chamber desired to make a recommendation looking at the best interest of all the citizens of Western North Carolina and has been actively involved in the project since 2000. There is a critical need for the new design to improve the safety of I-240 west of Asheville, improve the capacity of the existing and forecasted traffic in this growing area, reduce traffic delays and congestion along I-240 crossing of the French Broad River, and a need to increase the remaining useful service of the existing Smoky Park Bridges by reducing the volume of traffic on the bridges.

After extensive research, input and consideration of the four designs as presented in the 2008 NCDOT plans and three dimensional simulation models, the Board of Directors of the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce recommends the selection of Alternative 3 for Section B in the NCDOT I-26 Connector project. Alternative 3 meets the requirements of the criteria captured above concerning the quality of life, economic prosperity, protection of the environment, the safety of visitors and local citizens, and the beauty of the Asheville community. The Chamber Board encourages NCDOT to study the existing interchange on the west side of the river for simplification and looks forward to discussing important aesthetic considerations for the project and signature enhancements of the bridges.

Chamber’s History with Project

  1. a resolution on March 30, 2000 urging NCDOT to continue on schedule with plans to start construction of the I 26 Connector, while staying open to the consideration of design modifications from concerned organizations, as along as they do not delay the project;
  2. a letter on November 15, 2004 supporting the technical analyses by NCDOT engineers which indicated that eight lanes will be necessary to meet the projected travel demand for the year 2030, complying with federal standards for level of service on interstates;
  3. a resolution on November 23, 2004 reaffirming the importance of keeping the project on schedule and encouraging the North Carolina Department of Transportation to provide specific and appropriate state funding related to the recommendations of the I 26 Connector Aesthetics Advisory Committee for the I 4401 Project and for future design opportunities for the I 2513 Project, with the ultimate objectives of furthering economic development, complementing the environment, and improving the quality of life for the visitors and citizens of Asheville and Western North Carolina; and
  4. a resolution approved on December 10, 1993, requesting that NCDOT initiate ways to reduce congestion and traffic backups during times of construction, including, but not limited to, developing incentives, alternate traffic patterns and other measures as necessary to alleviate traffic congestion and maintain the traffic flow though our region which is so essential to our economic health

Criteria for Decision

Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce has completed a comprehensive analysis on the four design alternatives including 2, 3, 4, and 4B of Section B of the I-26 Connector project. In its deliberations, the Chamber dedicated thoughtful consideration to the following criteria in evaluating the design options:

  • Maintain the view-shed along the French Broad River
  • Minimize the impact on the Montford Historic District, the oldest local Historic District in Asheville – particularly related to noise and visual impact to the District and Riverside Cemetery
  • Maintain Westgate Plaza and protection of land value along the west side of the French Broad River
  • Minimize the impact on the developable land along the east side of the French Broad River north of Patton Avenue
  • Maintain the potential of a walkable, pedestrian friendly connection across the French Broad River from east and west
  • Minimize the repetitive local eastbound and westbound travel distance and gasoline consumption
  • Minimize the impact on the east-west skyline with I-26 crossing under Patton Avenue
  • Minimize the environmental impact on the French Broad River and banks of the river
  • Provides future opportunities on the east side of the river to allow for better access to downtown from West Asheville

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