Three-way stop at Riverview Road could reduce 280 congestion

Sharp-eyed drivers may have noticed that the intersection of Cahaba River Road and Riverview Road has changed from a four-way to a three-way stop. The new intersection is meant to decrease congestion on U.S. 280, but it is not working quite yet.

The intersection was creating traffic flow problems when drivers turning left onto Riverview from 280 had to come to an almost-immediate stop at the intersection. Cars would back up into the highway as drivers took their turns the four-way stop, preventing eastbound lanes from moving.

On June 19, the City of Birmingham and the Alabama Department of Transportation removed the stop sign for cars coming off of 280. By keeping traffic moving, the new intersection is intended to prevent cars from clogging up the highway. ALDOT US 280 Traffic Operations Engineer Brett Sellers said the new intersection is very similar to the one at the nearby Target entrance.

“The overall goal is to keep that traffic off of 280,” Sellers said.

However, drivers are still getting used to the change and many continue to stop despite the lack of a stop sign. That means congestion continues at the 280-Riverview intersection, but Sellers said this is normal for roadway changes. Once drivers have time to recognize and adapt to the new three-way stop, Sellers is confident that the new intersection will improve commutes.

“It’s just going to take them a little while to get used to it,” Sellers said.