South Huntsville Neighbors, July 2024

COMMUNITY LEADERS
Huntsville and Madison County are growing. You can see it. If you
have lived here any time at all, you notice the additional traffic on
the roads. They call it growing pains. They say if you’re not growing,
you’re dying. Maybe that’s true but it doesn’t seem to make the
longer commute times any less arduous. So what is local leadership
doing to stay ahead of these traffic issues? City and County leaders
are working hard to secure funds, plan and keep improving the network
of roads to keep traffic flowing. Where does the money come
from and how do we get what we need? That’s the rub.
Money comes from the Feds, the State, and some is local money.
The County and City do receive an allotment (a share) of gas tax.
Gas tax goes into a pot and there is a formula for distribution. Those
“local” funds are used primarily for repair and maintenance (repaving
and potholes) not for new roads or major improvements.
Funds are not distributed based on population, but that figures in.
The County and City rarely build new roads, they mostly maintain
roads but do improve the roads by widening and improving intersections.
Repaving now runs in the ballpark of $90,000 or more per
mile for a two lane road so that money doesn't go as far as it used
to. The additional gas tax that passed the legislature a few years ago
is called Rebuild Alabama and that money is distributed differently
than the previous gas tax money. Although more of it can be used
for major improvements, we get a smaller share of that pot.
The County/City is not responsible for the State Highways. The Alabama
Department of Transportation (ALDOT) handles the routes like
Highways 231/431, Highway 72, Highway 53, I-565, etc. The legislature
has little to say about this funding. ALDOT and the Governors
administration decide this. With this money there is usually a local
match required of 20% to 30%. Once funding is attained, any project
with any portion of Federal funds requires environmental surveys (2
to 3 years), road engineering (1 to 2 years), right of way acquisition
(up to 3 years +), and then another year of utility relocation. The construction
phase for a major artery might take two to three years.
Here's the good news. We have several major road projects queued
up that will begin shortly. Especially good for south Huntsville is
the East Arsenal Connector that will run along the east side of the
Arsenal from 565 to Hobbs Road. It will be three phases and in
the first phase (565 to Gate 10) engineering is completed, right of
© Best Version Media
Roads (and Bridges) of Madison County
By Phil Riddick, Madison County
Commissioner District 5
way acquisition has begun and bidding should begin later this year.
This will take a load off the Parkway once completed. Other major
projects throughout the county that are funded and will begin soon
are widening of 565 from Wall Triana to County Line, Hwy 72 West
widening from Providence to Jeff Road, and going to 4 lanes on
Hwy 53 up to Old Railroad Bed Road. The northern bypass from
Research Park Blvd to the Parkway is under construction now.
Over all I think local leadership is doing very well trying to keep up
with growth with the resources we have.
bestversionmedia.com JULY 2024 5