Work begins on 280 intersections

The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) has begun its project to improve traffic flow on U.S. 280.

The project includes alterations to 27 intersections along the corridor from Hollywood Boulevard to Hugh Daniel Drive. Work is slated for completion in November.

According to ALDOT Division 3 Engineer Brian Davis, companies Dunn Construction and Apac Mid-South, Inc. were awarded the project in April on a joint bid of $15.6 million.

Davis said any lane closures required for the project would be conducted between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. to avoid impeding rush hour traffic flow.

An incentive package is included in the agreement to hasten construction. Davis said contractors would receive a $10,000 bonus of per day for each day before Aug. 5 the section between Cherokee Road and Green Valley Road is complete. ALDOT will charge the companies that amount for each day they are late.

For the entire project, contractors will receive a $50,000 bonus per day for each day the project is finished ahead of the November 27 deadline. They will also be charged that amount for each day they extend beyond.

The project includes the removal of multiple traffic signals and median crossings along the nine-mile stretch and will require drivers entering from side streets to perform U-turns in many locations. ALDOT believes this reduction in the number of impediments to traffic flow will increase speeds and decrease travel times.

The launch marks the conclusion of seven months of debate on the issue. Among many others, both the Mountain Brook City Council and a group of business owners from the area have met with ALDOT Director John Cooper to voice displeasure with certain aspects of the plan.

Both groups reported ALDOT indicated willingness to consider alternate changes to intersections, but only after sufficient time has passed to test the effectiveness of the current project.