Bridgework & Excavation Continue on the Northern Beltline
The first phase of construction is in progress on the Northern Beltline highway project, running between Hwy. 75 and Hwy. 79 in northeast Jefferson County.
AL.COM reports:
Heavy equipment including bulldozers, trackhoes and heavy dump trucks are moving dirt and grading an area near where the interchange will be. Construction of a temporary bridge over Self Creek in progressing and will soon allow heavy equipment to move over the creek more easily.
Studies Show Deficient Roadways Cost Alabama $3.1 Billion Each Year
The national transportation research group TRIP announced today that a recent study conducted by the group reveals Alabama loses $3.1 Billion each year due to deficient roadways within the state’s borders. TRIP director Will Wilkins joined local elected officials and CRT Chairman Mike Thompson for a morning news conference, in which the details of the study were shared with members of the working press.
Here is the complete text of the release, which shows nearly $1,600 is lost per Birmingham area motorist each year:
DEFICIENT ROADWAYS COST EACH BIRMINGHAM AREA DRIVER NEARLY $1,600 ANNUALLY, A TOTAL OF $3.1 BILLION STATEWIDE. COSTS WILL RISE AND TRANSPORTATION WOES WILL WORSEN WITHOUT SIGNIFICANT FUNDING BOOST
Birmingham, AL – Roads and bridges that are deficient, congested or lack desirable safety features cost Alabama motorists a total of $3.1 billion statewide annually – nearly $1,600 per driver in the Birmingham area – due to higher vehicle operating costs, traffic crashes and congestion-related delays. Increased investment in transportation improvements at the local, state and federal levels could relieve traffic congestion, improve road and bridge conditions, boost safety, and support long-term economic growth in Alabama, according to a new report released today by TRIP, a Washington, DC based national transportation organization.
Read moreBeltline Construction Update: Temporary Bridge Over Self Creek
As construction on the Northern Beltline progresses, the first temporary bridge is going up over Self Creek.
AL.COM reports:
The first temporary bridge over Self Creek is being built. A series of silt fences and other devices is keeping Self Creek clear. I saw dozens of fish swimming in the creek during my visit with Linda Crockett of ALDOT.
The Northern Beltline to Benefit Northwest Birmingham
The Northern Beltline will serve as a boon to Birmingham, bringing an estimated $155 million in new tax revenue during construction, $54 million in new tax revenue each year after construction is completed, and will add about 70,000 jobs to the local economy.
Wesley Vaughn writes:
The completion of a beltline around Birmingham is long overdue. Without a northern loop, the region’s growth spread unevenly to the southeast – creating congestion in the communities along US highways 31 and 280. The Northern Beltline will alleviate that southeastward expansion and provide more opportunity for affordable housing closer to the region’s urban core.
Northern Beltline Construction Continues
The construction of the Northern Beltline is well on its way, with the first phase running between Hwy. 75 and Hwy. 79 in northeast Jefferson County.
AL.COM reports:
Heavy equipment including bulldozers, trackhoes and heavy dump trucks are moving dirt and grading an area near where the interchange will be. Two construction entrances to Hwy 75 have been added so equipment can enter the site.