County commission OKs Oak Mountain State Park bike lanes
More bike lanes are coming to Oak Mountain State Park.
The Shelby County Commission this morning approved a funding agreement between the county and the Alabama Department of Transportation to cover engineering and construction of bicycle lanes on John Findlay Drive from State Park Road to the North Trail Head, including Terrace Drive.
The project is estimated to cost $2.55 million, with about 80 percent — or $2.04 million — coming from federal funds, $400,000 from the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and $110,090 coming from Shelby County.
If the final cost exceeds the $2.55 million estimate, the county will be responsible for its proportional share.
County Manager Alex Dudchock said the goal is for the bike lanes to connect with a project from the city of Pelham. Pelham plans to add around two miles of bike lanes on State Park Road from Alabama 119 to John Findlay Drive in order to build connectivity in the community.
The goal is for bicyclists to not come into contact with other vehicles except for one location where they must cross traffic, Dudchock said.
The commission also passed a resolution recognizing Hugh Richardson, who has been chaplain for the Shelby County Commission since 2006. The resolution thanks Richardson for his dedication to the county and will be presented to him in February.
Dudchock said he appreciated Richardson’s steady attendance and hard work despite there being no compensation for him.
“When, as you know, Dr. Richardson is not able to be here, and it’s very few times, he always secures someone else without having to ask,” Dudchock said. “And over 10 years, the only thing we’ve given him is maybe a garment or two with Shelby County on it, and on occasion, the events where we’ve had food here. Other than that, no compensation.”
Dudchock also told commissioners that the county is still working to secure its first stand-alone rehabilitation center with HealthSouth and that 96 more parking spaces should be completed at the Shelby County Courthouse complex by April.
Also during the spring, County Commission meetings will be moved to the library? while the heating and air conditioning system is replaced in the Shelby County Administration Building.
In other business today, the Shelby County Commission:
- Approved a contract to improve Shelby County 264 from Alabama 119 to Warrior Drive and replace a bridge there.
- Agreed to apply for a federal Justice For Families grant from a program that provides assistance to families and children in situations involving domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, stalking and child abuse.
- Approved a resolution regarding right-of-way acquisition for a bridge replacement project on Shelby Conty 311. The resolution covered right-of-way donations and purchases.