The Burton Street neighborhood is one of ten communities being impacted by the proposed I-26 improvements. The neighborhood was first impacted by interstate development in the 1960s when I-240 was built. The construction of I-240 displaced residents and took land from many areas in West Asheville, resulting in significant impacts to the Burton Street neighborhood.

As a result of the proposed widening of I-26 in Segment A, additional right-of-way will be required in the Burton Street neighborhood. Due to the demographics of the community, the Burton Street neighborhood has been identified as an Environmental Justice population that has experienced recurring impacts. With an Environmental Justice designation, NCDOT can provide additional mitigation opportunities to lessen the burden of the project on the Burton Street neighborhood.