ALDOT director speaks at Rotary

By Caleb R. Johnson | Selma Times-Journal

Published Monday, March 2, 2009

The Alabama Department of Transportation plans to complete construction on a stretch of U.S. Highway 80 by 2012. When completed, the project would make Highway 80 a four-lane highway with a median from Selma to Interstate 20/59 near Cuba, Ala.

The stretch of highway covers about 80 miles and links many communities such as Bellamy, Salt Well, Demopolis and Selma to the interstate system. Director Joe McInnes said while the project would be costly, he would make sure it is completed by the time he leaves office.

"I want to see U.S. 80 finished," McInnes said. "These projects do take time."

McInnes was the guest speaker at Monday's Rotary Club meeting held at the St. James Hotel at noon.

Currently, Highway 80 from Interstate 20/59 to U.S. 11 is currently a four lane. ALDOT is acquiring the right of way for a six-mile stretch between U.S. 11 and Scenic Route 17, which would cost an estimated $22 million and be completed in late 2012. If funds are available, ALDOT would award the contract by the end of 2009.

A seven-mile stretch between Scenic Route 17 and Bellamy contract was awarded in November 2008 for a low bid of $30.4 million. This stretch will be completed by May 2012. The next five-mile stretch from Bellamy to Scenic Route 28 West was let to contract in June 2006 with a low bid of $33.8 million. At the time, this was the Riley administration's largest project to date.

"It's a daunting task," McInnes said.

Uniontown is the last piece to the puzzle. The town, which sits between Selma and Demopolis, poses environmental and archaeological problems dealing with historical sites. McInnes said ALDOT is exploring options to deal with these sites.

"We're exploring how best to avoid impacting these historical sites while still being able to finalize a suitable alternative for constructing an important final leg of U.S. 80," he said.

While incoming Uniontown Mayor Jamaal Hunter has not sat down and discussed the highway project with McInnes yet, he said would benefit the entire region.

"I think it's very important that we should four-lane 80 all the way through Uniontown," he said.

Mayor George Evans said the completion of the project would not only aid the flow of traffic, but make the highway safer to travel.

"It certainly minimizes the danger in travel," Evans said.

While this project has been in the works for years, Evans said more patience is required. Once a project is let out to contract, it takes 24 months to complete.

"We still have some time to go," Evans said. "But at least there's an effort to get it done."

---

WOULD YOU LIKE TO SHARE THIS STORY?

---