ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Bus riders along Patton Avenue will see more detours later this month as the Interstate 26 Connector project brings new ramp closures and transit changes.
The North Carolina Department of Transportation says it plans to close the Patton Avenue eastbound ramp to the eastbound frontage road at the Westgate Bridge in late June. The change will affect Asheville Rides Transit service beginning June 22.
In response, Asheville Rides Transit routes W5, WE1 and WE2 will no longer use the Patton Avenue eastbound frontage road. Instead, buses will continue east on I-240 from Patton Avenue and exit at Exit 4B (Patton Avenue/Downtown).
Two stops will close June 22: Stop 914 at Patton Avenue and FedEx, and Stop 915 at Patton Avenue and Western Carolina Rescue Ministries. Riders heading east can instead use Stop 913 at Patton Avenue and Florida Avenue or Stop 316 at Patton Avenue and Clingman Avenue. City crews posted closure notices at the stops June 8 to give riders advance warning.
Westbound service is also affected by earlier ramp closures at Riverside Drive and Hill Street. Stop 154 at that location remains closed, with riders directed to nearby Stop 311 at Atkinson Street and Hill Street.
Despite the changes, the Westgate Shopping Center on the north side of I-240 and Patton Avenue remains accessible for westbound riders using Stop 891 on routes W5, WE1 and WE2.
Officials recommend riders check updates through ART schedules and alerts or sign up for iRide email notifications for the latest route and stop information.
