Construction will start work soon on the long-awaited on Hospital Avenue Sidewalk Project. The new sidewalk will increase safety and connectivity for residents and visitors in Lenoir.
The Hospital Avenue sidewalk was identified as a priority in 2013 in the City’s last Comprehensive Pedestrian Plan. The project will connect Harper Avenue in downtown to US 321 and the Lenoir Greenway access at the Caldwell County Library. It will be easier for people to walk from downtown to the library and use the greenway in the northwest area of town.
“This is a great project for Lenoir, and I’m glad we can finally get going on construction,” City of Lenoir Mayor Joe Gibbons said. “We had some funding delays from the state, but we are thankful that work will start soon. This new sidewalk will connect neighborhoods to jobs, medical facilities, pharmacies, and shopping opportunities on U.S. 321. And it will improve the appearance of Hospital Avenue. That’s been a long-standing goal of Council and staff.”
During construction, Hospital Avenue will be closed to through-traffic. People who live on or off Hospital Avenue will be able to access their properties. But, there will be various barricades and detours that will change as construction moves along. City staff encourages drivers to avoid using Hospital Avenue as a cut-through during the project. Drivers will likely find they cannot make it through. If you do have to drive on Hospital Avenue, please use caution and pay attention to workers.
The new sidewalk will be five-feet wide and will allow pedestrians to safely walk along the road. When walking from Harper Avenue toward Blowing Rock Boulevard, the sidewalk will be on the left. There will be a crosswalk at Taubrook Place, and the sidewalk will continue on the right to US 321/Blowing Rock Boulevard. Workers will also install new curb and gutter along with the new sidewalk.
Construction hours will be Monday through Thursday from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm and Friday from 7:00 am to 3:00 pm. Any weekend work requires City permission based on 72-hour notice.
The City issued a notice to proceed date of Monday, Jan. 19. Contractors can start work anytime on or after that day. Neill Grading will start at US 321 with clearing, curb and gutter, and sidewalk. They will work towards Harper Avenue. The project could take up to a year to complete.
City council approved the final project cost during the May 20, 2025, Council meeting. The project totals $3,469,863.56.
The budget includes planning and engineering design, rights-of-way acquisition, utilities relocation, sidewalk construction, and construction inspection services. The City allocated $200,000 in local funds and $234,000 in ARPA funds to a local match of $933,863.56. The City received $2,536,000 from the state-allocated Federal Highway Funds for the project.
One the sidewalk is finished, the City plans to repave and restripe Hospital Avenue between Harper Avenue and US 321.
