By Brandon Moseley
Alabama Political Reporter
Alabama Governor Robert Bentley on Monday announced 34 additional, supplemental road and bridge projects that can move forward as part of Round 1 of funding for the Alabama Transportation Rehabilitation and Improvement Program (ATRIP).
Gov. Bentley said, “With these additional projects, we are moving closer to our goal of improving the safety of roads and bridges throughout Alabama. Many of our bridges are in desperate need of repair or replacement. Many of our roads are outdated and cannot handle current demand. Through ATRIP, we are able to make needed improvements to enhance public safety and quality of life in our communities.”
Lieutenant Governor Kay Ivey said, “I am proud to work with Governor Bentley as we improve our roads. As a member of the ATRIP Advisory Committee and as chair of the Jobs Creation and Military Stability Commission, I believe this announcement will enhance our ability to strengthen job growth in this great state.”
Alabama State Representative Mac McCutcheon, who also serves on the ATRIP Advisory Committee said, “ALDOT, under the leadership of Governor Bentley, has taken on an aggressive transportation plan to build and improve Alabama’s infrastructure over the next three years. The State of Alabama understands the need to promote transportation projects in order to improve public safety and infrastructure, which is necessary for economic growth and the creation of business and jobs.”
Alabama State Senator Paul Bussman, also a member of the ATRIP Advisory Committee said, “The Governor and the Legislature are focused on job recruitment, retention, and renewal. One of the key components of that is quality infrastructure. Improving our roads and bridges will help get products to markets and to industries. Having a quality infrastructure in the state is instrumental in job creation.”
Gov. Bentley said, “As ATRIP projects move forward, they will also serve as valuable economic development tools for the state. When a company decides where to build a new facility and create jobs, that company looks for areas with modern, safe roads and bridges. So as we improve roads and bridges, we are improving public safety while also making Alabama more attractive to companies that want to move here and create jobs.”
The first phase of Round 1 funding was announced in May. The additional projects announced by Governor Bentley Monday include 30 bridge rehabilitation or replacement projects. Additional road widening, resurfacing, and intersection improvement projects are also included.
The 34 projects include: $248,000 to replace the bridge on Possum Trot Road in Calhoun County, $669,000 to replace the Sandy Creek Bridge on County Road 11 in Chambers County, $522,000 to replace the Tuckabum Creek Bridge on County Road 119 in Choctaw County, $138,000 to replace the Cane Creek Bridge on County Road 22 in Conecuh County, $223,000 to replace the Murder Creek Bridge on County Road 30 in Conecuh County, $276,000 to replace the Bay Branch Bridge on Bay Branch Road in Covington County, $254,000 to replace the Corner Creek Bridge on County Road 89 in Covington County, $1040,000 to replace the Little Wills Creek Bridge on Wesson Gap Road in Etowah County, $298,000 to replace the Bristow Creek Bridge on Mayo Road in Etowah County $865,000 to replace the Rock Creek Bridge on Denton Road in Houston County, $815,000 to replace the Bryant Creek Bridge on County Road 151 in Jackson County, $1,429,000 to replace the Mud Creek Bridge on County Road 213 in Jackson County, $582,000 to replace the Dry Creek Bridge on County Road 44 in Jackson County, $4,833,000 went to Lee County to widen Moores Mill Road from East University Drive to Grove Hill Road including the bridge over I-85, $1,476,000 to replace the Chewacla Creek Bridge on Country Road 22 in Macon County,$6,731,000 to renovate the Flint River Bridge and add additional lanes to Winchester Road in Madison County, $8,400,000 to add additional lanes on Morton Road from Zierdt Road to Rideout Road in Madison County, $5,694,000 to add more lanes to County Line Road from Madison Blvd to US-72 in Madison County, $454,000 to replace Mill Creek Bridge on Wall Triana Highway in Madison County, $657,000 to replace Slab Creek Bridge on Welcome Home Church Road in Marshall County, $3,993,000 to improve I-65 frontage Road and SR 158 in Mobile County, $9,970,000 to widen and resurface Shillinger Road in Mobile County, $720,000 to replace the Flint Creek Bridge on Willhite Road in Morgan County, $600,000 to rehabilitate the Gordon Drive overpass in Morgan County, $400,000 to replace the Holland Creek Bridge on 12th Ave. in Russell County, $320,000 to replace the bridge on Moccasin Branch Road in Tuscaloosa County, $320,000 to renovate Thornton Creek Bridge on Dobbs Road in Tuscaloosa County, and $1,000,000 to replace the Big Sandy Creek Bridge on South Sandy Road. Crenshaw County is having six bridges replaced and was awarded $2,490,000 in ATRIP money. All the local governments involved have to come up with a 20% match to the ATRIP awards.
Some 61 of Alabama’s 67 counties have received funding for various transportation initiatives in the First Round of ATRIP funding and, 139 projects have been approved.
