The I-26 Connector Awareness Group is a grassroots citizens’ organization concerned with the planning and construction of the Interstate I-26 through Asheville.
We strive to be a conduit for a public voice in NC Department of Transportation’s massive project. We support dialogue and information sharing among all stakeholders. We encourage citizens to communicate with their local, state, and federal officials in order to achieve the best Connector plan for the Asheville region.
The I-26 Connector Awareness Group supports the “Key Project Design Goals” identified from public input at the I-26 Connector Design Forum held in Asheville July 2000.
The evaluation criteria are:
1. Separation of local and interstate traffic
2. Matching scale of project to character of community
3. Reunification and connectivity of community
4. Minimization of neighborhood and local business impacts
5. Use of updated traffic modeling software and data
6. Maintenance of compatibility with community’s design vision and plans; incorporation of community-selected design features
7. Creation of full interstate movements between I-26 and I-40
8. Minimization of air quality and other environmental impacts
9. Emphasis on safety during construction and in the design of the final product
These criteria were adopted by the Community Coordinating Committee, a 28-member group representing a wide range of Asheville area businesses, citizen groups, neighborhoods, and governmental agencies. Report of the Community Coordinating Committee
