Fairhope, Alabama
DELAYED FOR YEARS
According to the mayor and public works officials, much-needed paving of Fairhope Avenue from Bancroft Street all the way out to HWY 181 will begin in January.
Although the exact plan has not been made public, it was previously announced the pavement (east of Greeno) will be widened about three feet allowing for bicycles (but no marked bike lanes) -- and some drainage and intersection improvements will be installed along the way as well.
The Hwy 181 intersection will get signalized crosswalks and landscaping similar to downtown's.
According to informed sources, the two-year delay was caused mostly by a holdup of state ATRIP funding in Washington, because of political gridlock: A new transportation budget was just passed by Congress and signed by the President after a five year delay (FAST ACT).
Chronic state funding shortfalls also played a role.
Most funding for both projects came from the federal/state sources; but the city had to provide matching funds as well to get the grants (about 20%).
Total cost for both projects is about $2.6 million.
ROUNDABOUT UNDERWAY TOO
Preliminary earth work has begun on the roundabout at the CR 13 junction as well: That project is supposed to be completed by July of 2016.
Its design was offset slightly to the north to avoid extra right-of-way acquisition/utility-relocation costs.
The road will have to be closed for about a month next summer.
(When funding becomes available, another roundabout is planned for Cr 13 at Gayfer Ext. about a half mile north.)
DELAYED FOR YEARS
According to the mayor and public works officials, much-needed paving of Fairhope Avenue from Bancroft Street all the way out to HWY 181 will begin in January.Although the exact plan has not been made public, it was previously announced the pavement (east of Greeno) will be widened about three feet allowing for bicycles (but no marked bike lanes) -- and some drainage and intersection improvements will be installed along the way as well.
The Hwy 181 intersection will get signalized crosswalks and landscaping similar to downtown's.
According to informed sources, the two-year delay was caused mostly by a holdup of state ATRIP funding in Washington, because of political gridlock: A new transportation budget was just passed by Congress and signed by the President after a five year delay (FAST ACT).
Chronic state funding shortfalls also played a role.
Most funding for both projects came from the federal/state sources; but the city had to provide matching funds as well to get the grants (about 20%).
Total cost for both projects is about $2.6 million.
ROUNDABOUT UNDERWAY TOO
 |
| roundabout plans |
Its design was offset slightly to the north to avoid extra right-of-way acquisition/utility-relocation costs.
The road will have to be closed for about a month next summer.
(When funding becomes available, another roundabout is planned for Cr 13 at Gayfer Ext. about a half mile north.)
 |
| up is north |
Comments
see http://thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com/2015/09/no-money-left-for-traffic-problems.html
Also, if they're taking the time to widen the road, why no marked lanes for the bicyclists? In my opinion, marked lanes helps drivers and bicyclists establish safer boundaries.