The Town has received funding from the French Broad River MPO to complete a feasibility and alignment study for the Ridgecrest Trail identified in the Greenway Master Plan.
The project budget is $35,000. The Town's cost share is $7,000 (20%). This trail will expand the existing pedestrian and bike network to the eastern town limit near the Ridgecrest community. It is anticipated that this trail, once constructed, will be designated as part of the Fonta Flora State Trail, connecting Lake James and Morganton to Asheville. The project is funded for FY23-24. The RFP has been awarded to Kimley-Horn. The study will be completed fall of 2023.
Learn more about the Fonta Flora State Trail here.
Projected Timeline:
Task
| Projected Start Date
| Projected Finish Date
|
Ridgecrest Trail Connector Feasibility Study
| 9/7/23
| 6/7/24
|
Project Team Kickoff Meeting
| 9/7/23
| 9/7/23
|
Develop Preliminary Concept Plans & OPCC
| 10/2/23
| 12/1/23
|
Field Review/Site Visit
| 10/23/23
| 10/23/23
|
Town Review of Preliminary Concept Plans & OPCC
| 12/4/23
| 12/15/23
|
Updates to Preliminary Concept Plans
| 12/18/23
| 12/22/23
|
Stakeholder Meetings
| 1/8/24
| 1/8/24
|
Develop Final Concept Plans & OPCC
| 1/15/24
| 3/8/24
|
Town Review of Final Concept Plans & OPCC
| 3/11/24
| 4/12/24
|
Updates to Final Concept Plans
| 4/15/24
| 4/19/24
|
Public Meeting
| 4/29/24
| 4/29/24
|
Address Final Comments/Submit Final Feasibility Study Report
| 5/6/24
| 6/7/24
|
