Posted by nicholas on
URL: https://forum.buildingbullcity.com/147-From-Freeway-to-Boulevard-Pt-1-Design-tp817p1062.html

From what I understand, this is what will happen in Asheville.  I-26 currently comes up from the south, merges with I-240 to cross the river, then splits off and heads north up to Johnson City.  The plan is to extend the freeway behind the EarthFare plaza, build a new bridge over the French Broad River, and merge back with the rest of I-26.  I believe the current bridge and series of interchanges on either side is signed as 'Future I-26' as they are not up to interstate standards, however the rest of I-26 is fine.

Current situation:


Planned construction:


Ideally, I think the old leg of I-26 on the east side of the river should just be removed along with what we currently know as I-240. The section on the left side of the river would just become I-26, and the rest would be removed altogether.  The newly-created space (especially through downtown) could be used for new parks and streets to stitch the urban fabric back together.

Best-case scenario:



Even though these are different cities, I feel like Asheville and Durham are somewhat similar with how their downtown freeways rip through the urban fabric of the city.  Asheville is probably worse in this regard, but I think if there is anywhere to attempt a freeway removal in NC, Asheville or Durham are the only cities that would potentially have enough local resources and political motivation to do so.