Contractors will start removing trees on Hospital Avenue tomorrow, Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2023, in preparation for the City's Hospital Avenue Sidewalk Project. Traffic on Hospital Avenue will be affected.
The contractors will be working from around 8:30 am to 4:00 pm for next few days to remove nearly 30 trees. The workers plan to close one lane of Hospital Avenue while they remove the trees. The lane closures will vary.
The workers will start on the Harper Avenue side of Hospital Avenue and work their way to US 321 / Blowing Rock Boulevard. The work should be finished by Friday, Sept. 1, weather permitting and barring any unforeseen issues.
Flaggers will be on site directing traffic. Drivers should expect delays if traveling on Hospital Avenue during the project hours. Local residents are encouraged to avoid using Hospital Avenue during the project hours if possible.
The tree removal is the first step to installing a new sidewalk that will run the full length of Hospital Avenue from Harper Avenue to US 321. The new sidewalk will run on the northwest side of Hospital Avenue from Harper Avenue to Taubrook Place NW. There will be a pedestrian crossing at Taubrook Place NW to the southeast side of Hospital Avenue. The sidewalk will continue on the southeast side of Hospital Avenue to US 321.
In addition to the new sidewalk, the City plans to install a new pedestrian crossing at the intersection of Hospital Avenue and US 321.
Once the trees are removed, Duke Energy will relocate several utility poles. That work could start next week, and may take a few weeks to finish. One lane of Hospital Avenue will be closed for utility relocation as well.
After the utility poles are moved, the City can start construction of the new sidewalks. The City still has to bid out and approve the construction contract for the Hospital Avenue Project. That work will likely start in late winter or early spring next year, once the City has an approved contract.
Once the new sidewalks are installed, the City plans to repave Hospital Avenue.
The new sidewalk will improve connectivity and increase pedestrian access in Lenoir. The sidewalk will also make it safer for people walking on Hospital Avenue.
The Hospital Avenue Sidewalk Project was approved a few years ago, but has been delayed due to funding issues at the State.
Contractors will start removing trees on Hospital Avenue tomorrow, Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2023, in preparation for the City's Hospital Avenue Sidewalk Project. traffic on Hospital Avenue will be affected.