Huntsville road-widening project receives state funding
Published on January 20, 2022
A busy Huntsville thoroughfare will undergo significant improvements as part of the Alabama Transportation Rehabilitation and Improvement Program-II (ATRIP-II) infrastructure improvement initiative.
The City of Huntsville will receive $1.35 million to widen 1,600 feet of U.S. 431 (Governors Drive) from east of Franklin Street to east of Bassett Street. The City will not be required to contribute matching funds as part of the project.
Mayor Tommy Battle directed his administration to work with state leaders to steer the project through the competitive grant process.
“The City is grateful to the members of Alabama Transportation Rehabilitation and Improvement Program Committee, especially committee members Rep. Rex Reynolds and Sen. Arthur Orr of the Madison County delegation, for their assistance in securing these funds that will help the citizens of Huntsville,” Mayor Battle said.
Director of Urban & Economic Development Shane Davis said the widening is a much-needed project. The additional eastbound lane that was part of the previous widening of Governors Drive stops at California Street. Because the lane doesn’t continue through the intersection with an extended merge length, the outside lane is not used by motorists during peak travel times, due to the traffic merging well before reaching California Street.
“This project would extend the outside eastbound lane through the California Street intersection and provide a more than adequate merge lane to accommodate additional capacity and create a smoother traffic flow during peak demands,” Davis said.
About ATRIP-II
Gov. Ivey’s office announced more than $40 million would be awarded to cities as part of ATRIP-II. Funding for the program is made available by the Rebuild Alabama Act, which sets gas tax revenue from the Alabama Department of Transportation for road projects.
“While our work is far from over, we have made significant progress in improving our roads and bridges thanks to Rebuild Alabama,” Ivey said in a statement. “I look forward to continue putting every single penny of these funds to good use for the people of Alabama.”
The 32 projects were selected by the ATRIP-II Committee created by the Rebuild Alabama Act. Some projects are expected to be under contract during the 2022 fiscal year, but all projects are required to move forward within two years of the awarding of funds.
Click here to learn more about the ATRIP-II program and see a full list of 2022 projects.
