If the so-called West Alabama Corridor is completed, travelers using the route to make the journey from Mobile to Tuscaloosa would enter Tuscaloosa on Alabama Highway 69, likely passing through the junction of 69 and U.S. Highway 11, which is also the terminus of Skyland Boulevard.
Chronic delays have plagued the location, with some affecting traffic on nearby Interstates 20/59 and 359. However, it was set for an upgrade that would reportedly have included a "flyover" bridge for southbound Highway 69 traffic to cross the existing intersection with Skyland Boulevard.
ALDOT spokesman John McWilliams touted the project as a "a serious bridge" in early 2024.
"It's something that's needed," he said. "We have 56,000 vehicles that use this corridor per day."
On Monday, the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) announced it was at least postponing the "flyover" component of the proposal to pursue the "most practical and cost-efficient option."
However, ALDOT left open the possibility of "more extensive upgrades" if funding becomes available.
"The proposed design is an at-grade solution and does not require the construction of a bridge," said a statement posted on ALDOT West Central Region's Facebook page. "This approach was selected because it effectively addresses current traffic demands while being the most practical and cost-efficient option. This does not limit ALDOT's ability to make additional upgrades in the future. Should funding become available and traffic needs change, the corridor will remain capable of accommodating more extensive upgrades."
The apparent cost-saving decision comes as the Ivey administration faces criticism from lawmakers for insisting on steering funds and continuing work on the controversial West Alabama Corridor. Critics take issue with the project, noting that it is financed in part with 20-year bonds backed by future Rebuild Alabama gas tax revenues collected by future administrations and that it includes no federal matching component.
Jeff Poor is the editor-in-chief of 1819 News and host of "The Jeff Poor Show," heard Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-noon on Mobile's FM Talk 106.5. To connect or comment, email [email protected] or follow him on Twitter @jeff_poor.
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