Latest news with #AlabamaDepartmentofTransportation
Yahoo
10 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
State updates paving plans and road projects
Aug. 20—Fiscal 2025 isn't over yet, but the Alabama Department of Transportation is already looking ahead to its paving plans in the Decatur area for next year. Rod Ellis, ALDOT North Region preconstruction engineer, said last week at the Decatur Area Metropolitan Planning Organization meeting that an ALDOT contractor is finished paving two of the three phases of Beltline Road Southwest. "They still have to do some side road tie-ins and, when they do some striping, that (project) should be complete," Ellis said. MPO Director Dewayne Hellums leads a group of local mayors, councilmen, Morgan County Commission Chairman Ray Long, local state legislative delegation members and ALDOT representatives. MPO manages federal, state and local funds as it makes plans for state and federal highways and interstate projects. The third phase, the resurfacing of Beltline Road between Alabama 24 and Alabama 20, is now scheduled for fiscal 2026, which begins Oct. 1, Ellis said. The MPO added the $1.72 million project to its Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) with $1.38 million in federal funds and $344,323 from the state. Ellis said the state is planning in fiscal 2026 to resurface and widen U.S. 31 by 2 feet with highway rumble strips from Hudson Memorial Bridge north to Thomas L. Hammons Road at Carpenter Technology Corp. The MPO added the $2.3 million project to its TIP with $1.84 million in federal funds and $459,331 from the state. Ellis said the state's civil engineers are working on and almost finished with plans to replace the railroad overpass on U.S. 31 just south of Calhoun Community College. However, Ellis said CSX asked them to modify the plan, so the bridge is higher to improve clearance over the trains. This will likely push the project back to fiscal 2027, he said. He said they will pave U.S. 31 up to the railroad bridge despite their replacement plan. Shoals Electric has begun straightening 11 light poles along the Hudson Memorial Bridges and the north end of the causeway. The Decatur City Council approved a change order of $22,500. MPO is contributing $859,310 from federal carbon reduction funds for the lighting project. The city is paying the $214,827 match on this $1.1 million project as the total cost increases by $55,414. Hellums said the carbon reduction funds may end soon so, in an effort to use this money before a possible federal rescission occurs, he recommended using the money for $230,000 in signal upgrades at intersections in Hartselle. These include Interstate 65 at Alabama 36; Bethel Road at Alabama 36; Sycamore Street at Alabama 36; Crestline Drive at Alabama 36; Sparkman and Hayes streets and Karl Prince Drive; Pattillo Street at Nance Ford Road; and Barkley Bridge and Nance Ford roads. Hartselle agreed to pay a $46,000 match on the project, with $184,000 coming from this federal program. Work continues on the MPO-Morgan County Commission roadway culvert with a bridge culvert and approaches on West Morgan Road over Baker's Creek, Ellis said. Hellums said the cost "went up on the construction phase of this project." MPO approved a $629,036 increase in the cost to almost $2 million, with $1.6 million in federal funding and $399,208 from the county. MPO added a new project in Hartselle to its road plan. It approved $271,400 in intersection improvements to Alabama 36 and Lando Cain Road. The project includes turn lanes and a traffic signal. The cost will be paid for with $217,120 in federal funds and $54,280 from the city of Hartselle. In an update on state projects, Ellis said the contractor continues to work on the I-65 bridge maintenance project. The work on the top side of the bridge is done except for restriping. He said they anticipate the project will be complete this fall. The paving of I-65 in Morgan County is in two phases. The area between Lacon and Thompson roads is almost complete with a section south of Lacon likely to be done next year. He said the second phase from Alabama 36 to the Tennessee River is unlikely to be finished by fall, so it will probably roll over into next year. Decatur's Sixth Avenue beautification project should begin in September, he said. He said the paving of Alabama 24 from the Lawrence County line to Beltline Road Southwest should begin in the next few weeks. The town of Trinity plans to make improvements to the intersection at Alabama 24 and Greenway Drive. Ellis said they're waiting on the equipment, so that project should begin later this year. — or 256-340-2432 Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
30-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Anniston reports record economic growth amid years of strategic planning
ANNISTON — The city of Anniston is celebrating a record-setting year of economic growth in Fiscal Year 2024, with officials pointing to years of careful planning and strategic partnerships as the driving forces behind the progress. According to newly released data from the city, Anniston issued 618 business licenses in FY2024, a 61.35 percent increase over the previous year's 383 licenses. Since 2020, the city has recorded a 291.14 percent surge in business license registrations, more than tripling over the past four years. The construction sector mirrored this growth, with $57.24 million in investment — up from $41.11 million in FY2023 and $14.49 million in 2020. Municipal revenues have followed suit, with general fund revenues up more than 32 percent since FY2015 and a 38.14 percent rise in sales tax revenue over the same period. Toby Bennington, director of Economic Development and City Planning, credited the growth to a long-term approach that focused on building a welcoming business climate. 'We are at this point because this has been a process that's been in place for a few years,' Bennington said Thursday. 'The most important thing is to create an economic development environment and a cultural environment — a positive environment — where there is positive activity going on.' Bennington, who has served in his role since 2007, said the city has spent the past five to seven years crafting a strategy centered around business friendliness and responsiveness. 'What has happened, and what we have been building on ... is creating an environment where the city is business friendly, the city is business reactive,' he said. 'We have aligned ourselves with the right partners. We have done the due diligence homework.' This includes compiling a comprehensive portfolio of data, available sites, economic impact analyses, and incentive packages. Bennington noted that laying this groundwork has helped bring in developers who, in turn, attract others. 'When there's evidence of development ... that brings in other interests, and it trickles down,' he said. A standout example is the Summerall Subdivision in north Anniston. Bennington described it as a growing retail and commercial node, thanks in part to partnerships with developers like Blackwater Real Estate and support from the Alabama Department of Transportation. Infrastructure funding through the Rebuild Alabama Act has also fueled interest. 'We've received the funding back from ALDOT ... with the infrastructure improvements and everything that's happening now, that has heightened interest tremendously,' he said. 'Just within the last week, we've had discussions with four prospects.' Bennington confirmed that Blackwater has reached an agreement with one of those tenants, adding, 'We're really, really excited about the meetings that we had last week ... when you start talking about letters of intent, that's exciting.' Though he stopped short of naming specific businesses, Bennington said an announcement about new tenants at Summerall is forthcoming — and it could include more than one. 'This is a wonderful feeling,' he said, referring to the increased interest in the subdivision. 'Now, that doesn't guarantee anything, but five or six years ago, we were struggling and working hard to get to this point.' Interest in Summerall has even expanded to nearby commercial areas. Bennington said a coffee business is eyeing an outparcel in the Walmart parking lot in Lenlock, and Walmart's Murphy Oil is planning to expand into a full-service convenience store and gas station. 'That's carried over into that interest,' he said. 'What a goal is — hopefully — as development ensues and north Anniston interest continues ... we can get people interested in the city's property on the west side of McClellan Boulevard,' referring to the former trailer park property north of Anniston Middle School. Bennington emphasized the importance of collaborative leadership in achieving economic success. 'Everybody here in City Hall and the County Commission and the elected officials — everybody just being on the same page,' he said. He also cited the impact of the Main Street Anniston program, which he said has become 'a very highly recognized program that makes a difference.' Beyond city limits, the momentum is attracting regional and even national attention. 'I get calls from developers in Atlanta, Florida, North Carolina. Most recently, there's a group in Texas that has reached out,' Bennington said. The recently released economic report compiled by city public relations director Jackson Hodges is being used to amplify the city's efforts. 'We looked at our numbers, our business licensing, our permitting ... we utilize those to where those will go to our extended partners, to upcoming trade shows,' Bennington said. Hodges said the report is spectacular. 'It's not an over exaggeration to say these are unprecedented numbers. Particularly in the sectors of construction and new businesses,' Jackson said. 'Efforts like Main Street Anniston's Get-Up business classes, our finance department's efficiency and budget management policies, our planning & economic development department's retail recruitment and pro-growth strategies, our building and safety department's permitting personnel and guidance all culminate into calculable results,' Jackson said. Bennington added that development partners, including Retail Coach and tenant representatives, are using the data to pitch Anniston to potential investors. The success has even sparked interest tied to recreational assets like the Chief Ladiga Trail. 'There's been businesses that have inquired about that ... we're actually in process now,' Bennington said. At the core of it all, Bennington stressed, is a shared commitment to cultivating a positive environment. 'It's all about creating an environment,' he said. 'You have to get people talking about your community. That's how you get success.' For more information and to view the city's full FY2024 economic report, visit
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Foley Mayor Ralph Hellmich to seek another term
FOLEY, Ala. (WKRG) — Foley Mayor Ralph Hellmich has announced he will seeking reelection. Massive bull shark caught outside mouth of Mobile Bay Hellmich said in a news release he is running with the theme, 'Your Mayor. Your Voice,' and said he wants to continue to be 'an accessible, results-driven leader that prioritizes the community needs.' During his stint as mayor, Hellmich has made four core areas of improvement his primary goal — infrastructure, public safety, education and overall quality of life, the release said. According to the release, Hellmich's administration has accomplished a lot in those areas: Infrastructure: In collaboration with Baldwin County and the Alabama Department of Transportation, the city upgraded 27 intersections, implemented a traffic signalization program to improve traffic flow, and improved pedestrian safety with new sidewalks, solar-powered crosswalks and numerous safety grants. Public safety: The city has invested in 'cutting-edge' fire equipment, police technology and programs that educate young adults about public safety careers, plus new fire stations and expanded police facilities have ben built. Education: Partnerships with the Baldwin County Board of Education has led to an additional $600,000 annually to enhance local schools, raise ACT scores and create public safety career paths. Quality of life: The city has added hundreds of acres in parks and upgraded facilities with LED lighting. Additionally, a new $20 million library and community center is being built, with plans to eventually build a civic center and a World War II heritage museum. 'Our commitment is to ensure Foley remains a safe, thriving and welcoming community,' Hellmich said. 'We are dedicated to preserving what makes Foley unique while strategically planning for our future.' Prior to taking the helm as Mayor, Hellmich served 16 years as District 3 Representative on the Foley City Council, serving as Mayor Pro Tem. He is a Certified Municipal Official served on several boards, including the Foley Planning Commission, Redevelopment Authority and Public Facilities Cooperative District. He served as the chairman of the Riviera Utilities Board and served on the University of Alabama Geological Sciences Advisory Board, the release said. Hellmich is a lifelong resident, having graduated from Foley High School. He graduated from the University of Alabama with a bachelor's degree in Geology and retired as the Regional Operations Supervisor from the State of Alabama Oil and Gas Board, the release said. He currently serves on numerous boards and organizations in the community. He is married to Jo McGill Hellmich and they have three children and one grandchild, the release said. From addiction to hope: Meet Fairhope's Dancing Queen Hellmich will hold a campaign kickoff party, open to the public, Thursday, June 5, from 5-7 p.m. at Hotel Magnolia, 119 North McKenzie Street in Foley. EVENT LOCATION: Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Foley traffic signal at Alabama Highway 59 and Baldwin 12 to be off Wednesday
FOLEY, Ala. (WKRG) — The traffic lights at Alabama Highway 59 and Baldwin County 12 will be shut down this week for improvements. Two Lillian women killed in multi-vehicle crash in Elberta According to a City of Foley news release, the signals will be shut down at 9 a.m. while a temporary signal is put in. Foley police will direct traffic while the light is down. Crews will connect power to new connections and remove current signal poles that will have to be moved because of new turn lanes that are planned for that intersection, the release said. The work should be done by 4 p.m., the release said. According to the release, Alabama Department of Transportation officials have said the work was scheduled in such a way that the signal outage would be before most schools were out for summer and beach traffic increases. The eastbound section of Baldwin County 12 has been closed as the work has been done, but is expected to be reopened by the end of May, according to ALDOT. In addition to the new turn lane and signal improvements, the project also includes culvert extensions, the release said. What fans are saying on day 1 of Morgan Wallen's 'Sand in My Boots' music festival According to the release, ALDOT is overseeing the project. For more information, visit the ALDOT website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Road improvements coming to ‘dangerous' Highway 53 intersection
ARDMORE, Ala. (WHNT) — Governor Kay Ivey and other state leaders visited Ardmore on Friday morning to give details on a much-needed traffic safety project. The Alabama Department of Transportation will be adding turn lanes and making 'other improvements' to the intersection of Highway 53 and Pinedale Road in Limestone County. School Choice applications deadline set in Limestone County 'Help is now on the way,' Governor Ivey said. This section of Highway 53 is only one lane in each direction. So, traffic on Highway 53 comes to a screeching halt when drivers attempt to turn left onto Pinedale Road. Drivers attempting to turn onto Highway 53 from Pinedale Road also struggle to turn during periods of heavy traffic. Governor Ivey said the safety improvement project is 'long needed, and we're glad to finally be getting it done.' The intersection has seen several fatal and serious injury crashes over the past few years. Including a crash in January of 2024 involving a Greyhound bus and a vehicle driven by 23-year-old Sidney Benson of Ardmore. Benson died in the crash, and several of the Greyhound passengers were injured. 'When you have an injury or loss of life, it makes it that much more important,' State Senator Tim Melson said. 'You don't want it to happen to anybody else.'Melson and other state leaders who support the project say they hope the improvements help prevent future crashes. 'These turn lanes and these additions will absolutely save lives, slow people down,' Rep. Andy Whitt said. This project was one of a few that were approved for funding through the Alabama Transportation Rehabilitation and Improvement Program-II (ATRIP-II). That funding comes as a result of the Rebuild Alabama Act. The Alabama Department of Transportation says the project is still in the very early stages. An ALDOT spokesperson said it could take about two years for it to be completed. He said the project is estimated to cost $1.25 million, although $1,344,348.90 has been allotted for the project. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
