Traffic disruptions coming to McCalla, elsewhere next year, Jefferson County officials say

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If you live in or near McCalla in west Jefferson County, expect change in traffic patterns soon.

Jefferson County’s roads and transportation department is directing its focus towards part of McCalla where the new UAB Medical West Hospital and Smucker’s plant are being built, according to Jefferson County Manager Cal Markert.

The McCalla projects are among several underway that will impact traffic in the county through 2024.

Below is a list of road projects, arranged by their start date, that are on the horizon or wrapping up soon in Jefferson County, according to Markert:

Grants Mill Road widening project in conjunction with Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT)

“This project [underway since late 2022] should wrap up by the end of the year, but the detour has been extended in the area because once the contractor got into the project the soil nail wall needed to go further down than originally planned,” Markert wrote in an email to the Lede. “They are currently working six days a week and while the road is closed, they are moving ahead with phase 3 and 4 of the project. So once it opens back up, future travel impacts should be at a minimum.”

Cost: $16 million (according to ALDOT)

Old Tuscaloosa Highway at Lowetown Road

“Old Tuscaloosa Highway will be widened to four lanes with a divided grass median and will include the construction of a roundabout at Lowetown Road,” Markert wrote.

“Roadway construction is anticipated to start April 2023 with an estimated completion of July 2024. Impacts to the traveling public will include temporary lane closures and lane diversions as construction progresses.”

Cost: $11 million

Bell Hill Road

“Project includes widening, sidewalks, and roundabouts to improve intersections,” wrote Markert. “We will keep the road open, but there will be lane closures. This is going to be very disruptive for the community for about a year, but once it’s done, it will be much better.

“Project is scheduled to bid April 2023 with an estimated construction schedule of June 2023 to September 2024,” he said.

Markert provided a link to a map of the project at https://www.jccal.org/Sites/Jefferson_County/Documents/Main/Public%20Information%20Overall%20Mapreduced.pdf

Estimated Cost: $9.2 million

North Chalkville Road widening project between Chalkville Mountain Road/North Chalkville Road between Old Springville Road and Woodland Circle

“The plan is to add driving lanes and get signals working in a way that helps traffic flow best,” wrote Markert. “This is in conjunction with ALDOT’s ramp improvement work and should reduce congestion getting off I-59.

“This project is scheduled to bid November 2023 [start date TBA].”

Cost: $9.3 million

McAshan Drive @ I-20/59 Interchange Improvements Project

“In partnership with ALDOT, the county has begun design development for Interchange improvements at McAshan Drive at I-20/59,” wrote Markert. “Improvements will include widening of McAshan Drive from the I-20/59 to Bay Drive to five lanes and the construction of an additional overpass bridge to accommodate the installation of a diverging diamond interchange configuration.

“Construction is anticipated to begin in the first quarter of 2024.”

Estimated Cost: $11.7 million

Morgan Road / Lakeshore Parkway Widening and Realignment Project

“The project consists of realigning Morgan Road and Lakeshore Parkway to form a single intersection at Highway 150,” wrote Markert. “Improvements include the widening of Morgan Road to five lanes from Hopewell Road to Hwy 150.

“Construction is anticipated to begin in the Summer of 2024.”

Estimated Cost: $15 million

Old Tuscaloosa Highway Widening from McAshan Drive to the county line

“The county has begun design development for the widening of Old Tuscaloosa Highway from McAshan Drive to the county line,” wrote Markert. “Improvements will include the widening of Old Tuscaloosa Highway to four lanes with a divided grass median.

“The project is scheduled to bid in the first quarter or 2024 and construction is anticipated to begin in the Summer of 2024.”

Estimated Cost: $12.5 million

Eastern Valley Road @ I-459 Interchange Improvements Project

“The county has begun the concept validation phase for planned improvements to the interchange of Eastern Valley Road at I-459,” wrote Markert. “The Eastern Valley corridor from Letson Farms Parkway to Promenade Parkway is being evaluated for intersection modification, lane reconfiguration, and signal optimization to improve the traffic operations through the area.

“Construction is anticipated to begin in the fourth quarter of 2024.”

Cost: $7.75 million

Markert said his office was also working to create a resurfacing program with the goal of paving 100 miles per year so that the overall average grade of the roads in Jefferson County is up to standard.

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