Final day to comment on 280 intersection proposals

For the first time since the project was announced on Nov. 19, the public can now go online to see images of the Alabama Department of Transportation’s proposed changes to U.S. Highway 280 intersections. In conjunction with the site launch, ALDOT extended the submission deadline for comments and concerns on the proposals to Friday, Dec. 14.

The new site and deadline extension allegedly come as a result of a public outcry against parts of the project, notably at U.S. 280’s intersection with Cherokee Road in Mountain Brook. At that intersection, ALDOT proposes to remove the eastbound signal and extend the grass median through center of intersection, which will eliminate left turns from Cherokee onto 280. If implemented, the change would require drivers to turn right from Cherokee and make U-turns.

“I think what we would like to see accomplished is a safe alternative,” said Ali Powell with safety280.com, a recently launched information site about the proposals. “Nobody driving down that road wants people making dangerous U-turns in front of them.”

ALDOT Division 3 Engineer Brian Davis said last week that the Department would not be making comments on the proposals until the Department had closed the comment period and reviewed the public’s concerns.

To submit comments or concerns about the proposed changes:

• Contact Davis at 581-5603 or email bonners@dot.state.al.us

• Fax comment forms to 581-5624.

Editor’s note: ALDOT’s proposed changes are available in PDF format, but can still be difficult to understand. Village Living reported the proposed changes at each intersection to identify details of the drawings. Click here to see the breakdown.