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Alabama’s roadways recently reached a significant milestone, ranking second-best nationwide for overall quality. This impressive achievement comes five years after the passage of the Rebuild Alabama Act, a legislative initiative administered by the Alabama Department of Transportation, ALDOT.
Since the act’s implementation, ALDOT has awarded over $392 million through two local grant programs, funding infrastructure improvements in all 67 Alabama counties. These strategic initiatives have directly contributed to the state’s enhanced road and bridge infrastructure.
Despite this remarkable progress, challenges loom in the form of Senate Bill 110 (SB110) and House Bill 204 (HB204), which propose increasing per-axle weight limits for log trucks on state highways. Specifically, these bills would raise the current axle weight limit, allowing heavier loads per axle. Critics, including transportation officials, warn these changes could accelerate road deterioration, increase maintenance costs and compromise public safety.
Additionally, HB204 would modify enforcement procedures related to portable scales, potentially restricting certain officials from directing truck operators to stationary weigh stations. This change might reduce the effectiveness of weight enforcement, further endangering road conditions and public safety.
ALDOT’s proactive strategies have significantly improved Alabama’s transportation network. A notable example includes the new US-411 alignment connecting Etowah and Cherokee Counties. The nearly six-mile stretch between Turkeytown and Leesburg provides Cherokee County with its first four-lane highway connection to surrounding regions.
Another project nearing completion involves widening US-82 in Prattville, Autauga County, which will ease the daily commute for more than 17,000 drivers and complete the Prattville Bypass.
In Montgomery County, ALDOT will soon install two new roundabouts in Pike Road at intersections with US-80—one at SR-126 and another at Marler Road—aimed at enhancing road safety and reducing congestion.
Jefferson County will see improvements on SR-150, where ALDOT plans to widen the road, benefiting traffic flow and driver safety. Similarly, Etowah and Cherokee Counties have seen enhanced connectivity through the relocation and expansion of US-411.
In Jefferson County, SR-150’s widening project aims to address traffic flow and safety, while a similar initiative is set to conclude in Autauga County, improving US-82 in Prattville.
ALDOT has also prioritized pedestrian and cyclist infrastructure. A notable example is the ongoing $23.7 million restoration project of the Tennessee River Bridge on I-65, involving concrete repair, structural maintenance and repainting.
Bridge safety has dramatically improved statewide as well. In 2007, Alabama had 213 structurally deficient bridges. Thanks to ongoing maintenance and replacement efforts, the number dropped significantly to just 60 bridges by 2024.
In Mobile County, the $550 million federal grant secured by U.S. Senator Katie Britt and others is funding the I-10 Mobile River Bridge and Bayway Project, representing another major infrastructure advancement.
Additionally, a $23.7 million restoration of the Tennessee River Bridge on I-65 includes extensive structural improvements and enhancements benefiting all travelers.
Mobile commerce has benefited from the recent SR-126 improvements, providing alternative transportation routes, aiding local businesses by reducing traffic congestion on US-98.
ALDOT’s ongoing projects and strategic initiatives highlight a commitment to enhancing Alabama’s infrastructure, resulting in safer and more efficient travel statewide. However, despite these advancements, the proposed legislation to allow heavier log trucks remains a critical concern for preserving road quality and safety.
