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City of Birmingham, AL

09/27/2023 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/27/2023 09:09

The City of Birmingham has been awarded federal grant funding for new transportation projects

Birmingham, AL - The City of Birmingham's Department of Transportation has been awarded nearly $9 million in federal funding to support two new major projects. Plans will be underway for railway crossing consolidation and improvements in the Woodlawn community and for a new two-way cycle track in Norwood.

"We are grateful for this support in helping to transform our neighborhoods for the better," said Birmingham Mayor Randall L. Woodfin. "These monies will address decades long challenges and disparities in the Woodlawn community as well as reduce emissions and create a safer trail for cyclists and pedestrians in Norwood."

In partnership with Norfolk Southern and the City of Trussville, the City has been awarded an $8 million Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements Program planning and design grant. Under the banner of REDESIGN Alabama-Reduce Extended Delays; Enhance Safety; and Invest in Growing Neighborhoods-the group plans to collectively design for two grade-separated crossings in Woodlawn (including at Harris Homes), add rail capacity for Norfolk Southern to help reduce blocked crossings, and a bridge on the boundary between Birmingham and Trussville at Mary Taylor Rd.

Blocked rail crossings have caused safety, equity, environmental, and economic challenges for Woodlawn and Trussville residents. REDESIGN Alabama intends to address these issues by providing landing zones for trains and allow local operations to process them with minimal impact on the surrounding communities. "This will dramatically increase railroad safety, support economic vitality, bridge equity gaps, and enhance multimodal connections," said Colin Alexander, senior planner for the Department of Transportation. In addition, an $800,000 Transportation Alternative Set Aside Program (TAP) Grant will fund the creation of a separated, two-way cycle track along 15th Avenue North from Norwood Blvd to Carraway Blvd. This will create a safe multi-modal corridor to connect Norwood Trail/Norwood Park with the planned redevelopment of the former Carraway Hospital and the MAX bus stop on Carraway Blvd. This will slow traffic speeds by narrowing the travel lanes. It will also provide a gateway experience for those entering the Norwood neighborhood, which is both a national and a local historical district.

Bike lanes will be raised approximately six inches and will parallel the existing sidewalk. The project will also tighten up the intersection with Norwood Blvd to create a safer pedestrian connection between Norwood Trail and Norwood Park.

For more information, go to birminghamal.gov/transportation.

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