The widening of AL-53 north of Huntsville has been on the books for some two decades. Now, there is hope that some progress can be made on this project.
A December 3 bid sheet announced that Reed Contracting of Huntsville had the low big on a contract to widen 4.6 miles of AL-53 between Jeff Road and AL-255 (Research Park Blvd.). Recently, the Huntsville Times stated that Reed would begin construction starting March 7. Reed is already working a number of other big projects in the area, including the widening of the freeway portion of Research Park Blvd. in the same vicinity.
Eventually, the state plans to widen AL-53 to four or five lanes from Huntsville to the Tennessee state line. However, progress has been impeded by funding shortfalls and, more recently, lawsuits. A right-of-way dispute over property near Burwell Rd. has further delayed the widening, and ALDOT is currently in court to resolve the issue. (link)
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Monday, February 14, 2011
Ailing Bridges Force Costly Detours
From an article in the Decatur Times Daily, school buses are being forced to detour around decrepit bridges in the area. The detours incur substantial additional mileage, costing school systems money and resulting in much longer bus rides for students.
In Lauderdale County, detours around the present 20 decrepit bridges cost the school system an additional $340,000 in fuel costs. The average cost of bridge replacement, according to the article, is $125,000. For the price of the extra fuel, nearly three bridges could be upgraded each year. The longer the bridges are left ill-maintained, the more money is wasted. The story is similar in other counties in North Alabama.
The county road engineers claim that there is not enough money to replace ailing bridges with the appropriate frequency. Considering the extra costs to the school systems - not to mention the impediment such bridges pose to economic development - it seems like updating infrastructure should be a top priority.
In Lauderdale County, detours around the present 20 decrepit bridges cost the school system an additional $340,000 in fuel costs. The average cost of bridge replacement, according to the article, is $125,000. For the price of the extra fuel, nearly three bridges could be upgraded each year. The longer the bridges are left ill-maintained, the more money is wasted. The story is similar in other counties in North Alabama.
The county road engineers claim that there is not enough money to replace ailing bridges with the appropriate frequency. Considering the extra costs to the school systems - not to mention the impediment such bridges pose to economic development - it seems like updating infrastructure should be a top priority.
Winchester Road Update
 |
| Winchester Road Widening |
A stretch of Winchester Road near Moores Mill Road has been under construction since 2008. In 2013, Phase 1 construction will extend the widened portion of the road to Naugher Road. The second phase, starting in 2018, will extend the widening to Bell Factory Road and will include bike lanes and sidewalks.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Old Madison Pike Widening
An article in the Huntsville Times reports that the city of Huntsville will be accepting public comments regarding the widening of Old Madison Pike between Slaughter Rd. and the Thornton Research Park.
From the article:
"The city and the state Department of Transportation have scheduled a March 1 public hearing for the project's corridor and design. The hearing will be from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Pope John Paul II Catholic High School multipurpose room at 7310 Old Madison Pike. The easiest way to reach the room is from the back of the school."
The article states that the proposed widening will include four lanes with a grass median and new bridges over Indian Creek. No mention is given as to whether bike lanes would be incorporated. As a connector to the multi-modal transit hub at Bridge Street, it would be great to add bike lanes to this road.
From the article:
"The city and the state Department of Transportation have scheduled a March 1 public hearing for the project's corridor and design. The hearing will be from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Pope John Paul II Catholic High School multipurpose room at 7310 Old Madison Pike. The easiest way to reach the room is from the back of the school."
The article states that the proposed widening will include four lanes with a grass median and new bridges over Indian Creek. No mention is given as to whether bike lanes would be incorporated. As a connector to the multi-modal transit hub at Bridge Street, it would be great to add bike lanes to this road.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)