Huntsville updates - Page 72

HSVTiger · #**1421** Posted **Jul 22, 2007, 7:53 PM**

"That's not how we build roads today," said Joe McInnes, state transportation director. "I'm offended by the fact that somebody thinks they have been discriminated against."

yeah Mr. Mcinnes I',m offended that you screw over communities in this state and shuffle projects to your own desires. If you were in a private business you would be FIRED.

"Riley said when the Interstate 565 spur was built in Madison County, "you got more than your fair share."

Never mind that it took over 20 years to build it ant it was completed over 10 years ago. So I guess what you are saying is that no new roads or improvements should be done in this county. When I-565 was built the county was so far behind then that they barely addressed the needs then.
Governor that is a very stupid comment, don't be so overly protective of your
ALDOT director. ALDOT has become inept and unable to operate AT ALL.

"Harris said it's not unusual for funding that may have been designated for a project at one time or another to be shifted to another project deemed more critical. He said those transfers can be made unless the funds are specifically earmarked by Congress.

"It's a point a lot of leaders have been making," said Hinshaw, a member of the Legislature's Joint Transportation Committee. "It seems like a lot of money that was designated for the southern bypass has been rerouted to south Alabama."

Just wait now with this article you will see the I-85 extension be completed in record time. Hey when is that interchange on I-65 and Tanner supposed to be started? Funding was designated for it years ago.

oh and of course all of ALDOTS delay tactics are working perfectly, too long so the money is re distributed, oops we found some arrowheads!! must do a study, (Hey asses, every boyscout in Alabama knows there are Indian artifacts in this state) Oh shucks a new election, all previous contracts are void must rebid, oops prices have risen can't build it now at that price so rebid.
And one of the best, if and when a project is completed the statement that it was finished on schedule never mind it is 5 years behind the original schedule. Wouldn't it be nice if all our jobs were like that. It's always on schedule whenever you finish it.

Wonder if Tennessee could annex all the counties north of the Tennessee River?. ALDOT thinks we are in that state anyway.

HSVTiger · #**1422** Posted **Jul 22, 2007, 8:21 PM**

Urban Outfitters planning Huntsville store at Bridge Street,
Building permit has been listed, $998,268!

neilson · #**1423** Posted **Jul 22, 2007, 9:09 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by HSVTiger

Wonder if Tennessee could annex all the counties north of the Tennessee River?. ALDOT thinks we are in that state anyway.

Too much name overlap. No, what we need are toll roads and a new governor or ALDOT director that's from North Alabama.

You see, our problem is that we're not the capital like Montgomery is, and all our politicans aren't products of "The Machine"(which explains why Tuscaloosa and by default 'Bama gets so much in ALDOT projects too). Meantime, us engineers in Huntsville and Auburn have to pull teeth to get ALDOT to do anything worthwhile for us.

It all goes back to the good ole boy network at Alabama which then feeds itself into the doctors, teachers, lawyers, and powerbrokers of this state. Speaking as a resident of North Alabama and an Auburn man, it troubles me.

Give us toll roads. I don't care about anything at this point. Either DC overrides Montgomery to give us funding for these projects or Toll Roads. Maybe even both.

neilson · #**1424** Posted **Jul 22, 2007, 9:19 PM**

HSVTiger, it all makes sense now. Riley continues to support McInnes because he must have some sort of dirt. That's the only logical reason, much like why Riley continues to support that dummy Troy King. I'm met Troy and he's a nice guy but he has no place being the AG of this state. I just get the feeling that with Riley it's a case of "keep your enemies closer then you would your friends." That and if you confronted Riley about ALDOT, he'd tell you it's under cleaner hands then when Siegelman's guy was running the agency. I want to say that his guy is in jail now as well.

UAHmp · #**1425** Posted **Jul 22, 2007, 10:56 PM**

Are they ever going to start on the Old Madison Pike / Research Park Blvd improvements for Bridge Street? Seems like they need to be getting on it to be done in time for the opening. I can't imagine what traffic would be like in that area if the improvements are not completed by the time that Bridge Street opens.

Shawn35816 · #**1426** Posted **Jul 23, 2007, 1:07 AM**

That is definetly a worry. Traffic around Bridge Street will be hectic when that thing opens. Guess what, I'm willing to promise you that ALDOT will not have the road done by that time. It will just be another one in the book of "things to do" for them. I agree with your guys idea about the toll roads. I spent some time in Central Florida and the toll roads in Orlando make for a good system. Once you know where you're going down there all you need to do is hop on one toll road, pay one or a couple of $.75 tolls, and you're where you need to be. The traffic down there is crazy though, I don't ever think Huntsville will be like that. In rush hour traffic on Colonial Drive, it will take you 1:15 to go about 10 miles. That's not a toll road though.

neilson · #**1427** Posted **Jul 23, 2007, 2:15 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shawn35816

That is definetly a worry. Traffic around Bridge Street will be hectic when that thing opens. Guess what, I'm willing to promise you that ALDOT will not have the road done by that time. It will just be another one in the book of "things to do" for them. I agree with your guys idea about the toll roads. I spent some time in Central Florida and the toll roads in Orlando make for a good system. Once you know where you're going down there all you need to do is hop on one toll road, pay one or a couple of $.75 tolls, and you're where you need to be. The traffic down there is crazy though, I don't ever think Huntsville will be like that. In rush hour traffic on Colonial Drive, it will take you 1:15 to go about 10 miles. That's not a toll road though.

You'll be glad to know that everything except for the actual interchange of OMP and Rideout Road(yes I'm an oldtimer) will be done by the City of Huntsville.

Only way you're gonna see roads get built are if the Cities of Huntsville, Madison, and the Madison County Commission are proactive. Too bad we can't pass a SPLOST like counties in Georgia have.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special-purpose_local-option_sales_tax

HSVTiger · #**1428** Posted **Jul 23, 2007, 12:25 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by UAHmp

Are they ever going to start on the Old Madison Pike / Research Park Blvd improvements for Bridge Street? Seems like they need to be getting on it to be done in time for the opening. I can't imagine what traffic would be like in that area if the improvements are not completed by the time that Bridge Street opens.

Well at least improvements are underway at the Governors West/Old Madison Pike intersection. Governors West will extend into the Bridge Street development. Now if we had a proactive non political highway department, plans would be underway to expand Reserach Park Blvd to at least 6 lanes
between I-565 and University.

HSVTiger · #**1429** Posted **Jul 23, 2007, 12:37 PM**

even with incompetence things eventualy get done. (This is not a refelection on the contractors, or ALDOT workers, they do the best they can, just the upper management of ALDOT)

The first phase of the eventual widening of Alabama 53 from Huntsville to near Ardmore should be basically completed in the coming weeks.
(keep in mind this project is at least 15 years from when it was originally approved)

The widening of the highway to five lanes from just north of Mastin Lake Road to just north of Nick Fitcheard Road is about 99 percent complete, said Chris Lovoy, project engineer with Reed Contracting Services, the project contractor.

The electrical contractor is finishing installing the traffic signals at Alabama 53 and Research Park Boulevard and should be finished early this week, Lovoy said.

Once the signals are in, Reed Contracting will apply the top coat of asphalt on the highway. That should take about three days, Lovoy said.

"I'd say within two or three weeks it will be open to five lanes of traffic," Lovoy said Thursday.

Reed Contracting will have some details to finish - such as landscaping - after the paving work is completed, he said.

The company will finish the project "about right on schedule," Lovoy said. Not the original state schedule just the contractors schedule which is true. They have done an excellent job.

The Alabama Department of Transportation in early 2006 awarded a $4.9 million contract for the first-phase widening work.

The next phase of the widening will be from just north of Nick Fitcheard Road to just south of Jeff Road.

The DOT is working to financially balance its transportation plan for the next three years and will decide when construction on the next phase will start, said Johnny Harris, the DOT's Division engineer.this means it will be delayed due to the directors personal whims.
"We are currently in the process of right-of-way acquisition on this phase and should be ready for construction when the date is finally programmed," Harris said.

In the meantime, the DOT expects to award a contract before the end of the year to change the Jeff Road intersection at Alabama 53, Harris said. remember this

The state plans to go ahead with widening Alabama 53 north and south of Jeff Road to accommodate a Publix supermarket and shopping center planned for the new intersection, officials said.

The work will include moving the Jeff Road intersection south of its present location. The new intersection will be built at a 90-degree angle with Alabama 53.

The shopping center developer contributed $1 million to go with the state's $1 million for the Jeff Road construction.
This is basically extortion by the state so it has more money to use where the director wants. Think this will speed up construction? dream on.
At least the developer tried to help.

HSVTiger · #**1430** Posted **Jul 23, 2007, 12:44 PM**

no rush blame the county

TANNER — The state is seeking county cooperation on an Interstate 65 interchange in Tanner, but work isn't slated to start before next year.

On Monday, the Limestone County Commission approved an agreement with the Alabama Department of Transportation regarding the multimillion-dollar interchange on Huntsville-Browns Ferry Road.

County Engineer Richard Sanders said the county has to agree to give the state right-of-way access and authority to close roads as needed during construction.

Sanders said the county also gave the state permission to move the entrance of S&S Lane a couple of hundred feet to accommodate the interchange.

DOT Division Engineer Johnny Harris said the state plans to bid the project at the end of this year or early next year. Once DOT accepts a bid, it will be up to 60 days before work would begin.

"So we're looking at sometime mid-2008 before work starts," Harris said.

now some interesting reading, this from DECEMBER 2003!
Another $1 million has been approved for the construction of a Tanner interchange at Interstate 65 and Huntsville-Brownferry Road.

Athens Mayor Dan Williams said Tuesday U.S. Rep. Bud Cramer has gotten approval of the funds, bringing the total for the project to $2.5 million

Limestone County Commission Chairman David Seibert estimated total cost of the project at $5.5 million.

"Engineering has already begun out there," Seibert said. "The next phase will probably be land procurement, then probably actual construction beginning in 2005."

Williams said the City of Athens Comprehensive Master Plan, which will be voted on by the Athens Planning Commission Dec. 15, designates the interchange and the surrounding area as the new gateway to the City of Athens.

"I think that particular interchange will open up Limestone County as much as the one we have now on U.S. 72 ," Seibert said.

"I think it will be that much of a growth factor to Limestone County."

In addition, U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby, has secured $250,000 for the expansion of sewer services eastward on U.S. 72 and Congressman Cramer has secured an additional $100,000 for this project. These funds will have to be matched 45 percent by the city.

And this gem from APRIL 2005

ATHENS — U.S. Rep. Bud Cramer, D-Huntsville, said Friday the state has enough federal funds to build an interchange at Interstate 65 near Tanner if it doesn't "sit on the money."

Cramer met with local leaders at the interstate overpass on Huntsville-Browns Ferry Road, the proposed location of a $5.5-million interchange.

He said the 2005 Fiscal Omnibus Appropriations Bill and Transportation Equity Act includes $2 million for the project. Cramer, a member of the House Appropriations Committee, previously secured $2.5 million in federal money.

"We need to keep pressure on the Alabama Department of Transportation because this should finish funding for it," Cramer said. "If the state waits one to two years to begin construction, the cost could go up."

Cramer said ALDOT was "often a frustrating body for me."

"I look for opportunities to earmark funds to enhance their budget," he said. "They will move on some projects like Keller Bridge but delay on others like four-laning (U.S.) 72 in Jackson County."

ALDOT Division Engineer Johnny Harris said construction is more than a year away. He said a consultant is doing the engineering design, and the Federal Highway Administration soon will review environmental studies and the design.

"We certainly appreciate and understand the congressman's frustration," Harris said. "We absolutely appreciate him securing funds for us, but we have so many hoops we go through to get a project approved."

Harris said state and federal requirements include feasibility and environmental studies and preliminary design work.

"We have to make sure there will be no negative impact on wetlands or endangered species, or even wildflowers," Harris said. "In this case, there is nothing major, but it still must be reviewed."

Harris said once the preliminary design is complete, the state can identify right of way needs. Obtaining rights of way should begin by the end of this year or early 2006.

"Construction would begin 12 months after that," he said. "Construction will probably take 1½ to two years."

Cramer said the interchange is necessary for industrial and residential development.

He said industries have expressed interest in the site, which is now farmland.

"It is, give or take a few miles, about 100 miles from both Nashville and Birmingham," he said. "It's prime property. There are, for example, auto parts suppliers looking for locations, but if you don't make this interchange happen, we're robbing ourselves of opportunity to continue to grow."

My my wonder what happened?

HSVTiger · #**1431** Posted **Jul 23, 2007, 2:22 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by HSVTiger

Urban Outfitters planning Huntsville store at Bridge Street,
Building permit has been listed, $998,268!

not to be confused with the Birmingham based Mountain High Outfitters
which is also opening a store at Bridge Street.

http://www.mhoutfitter.com/

HSVTiger · #**1432** Posted **Jul 23, 2007, 2:34 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by neilson

Too much name overlap. No, what we need are toll roads and a new governor or ALDOT director that's from North Alabama.

Give us toll roads. I don't care about anything at this point. Either DC overrides Montgomery to give us funding for these projects or Toll Roads. Maybe even both.

Would the toll roads still have to be approved by ALDOT?. The main issue is we have been paying for roads(taxes) for decades and that money is being spent wherever the director wants to.Why do we have to continually fight for these approved projects only to see delays and excuses?? Sadly I think when the Mayor and Rep Cramer complain it just adds to the delay, back to the bottom of the stack. The director is not going to take any criticism or be questioned in the media.
We are not asking for more than our fair share. The same problem exists
in Birmingham.

HSVTiger · #**1433** Posted **Jul 23, 2007, 4:10 PM**

Bridge Street construction

East Parking Deck

Monaco Theaters

HSVTiger · #**1434** Posted **Jul 23, 2007, 4:15 PM**

A new 36,298 sq ft. CarMax location is set to begin construction at 6364
University Drive.
I believe this is in the area just west of the MacResource new store, before the Kia dealership.

neilson · #**1435** Posted **Jul 23, 2007, 5:04 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by HSVTiger

Would the toll roads still have to be approved by ALDOT?. The main issue is we have been paying for roads(taxes) for decades and that money is being spent wherever the director wants to.Why do we have to continually fight for these approved projects only to see delays and excuses?? Sadly I think when the Mayor and Rep Cramer complain it just adds to the delay, back to the bottom of the stack. The director is not going to take any criticism or be questioned in the media.
We are not asking for more than our fair share. The same problem exists
in Birmingham.

Well, like I said at this point the best we can hope for is that dirt comes out on the higher ups at ALDOT like during the Siegelman years and the Governor cleans house. Of course to have real change of substance, we'd need to add an amendment to the state constitution that would make ALDOT operate better.

I want a new constitution but not until dead weight like Barron, Bedford, Guin, and the like are out of power and folks like Mr. Hubbert and Mr. McGregor aren't able to throw their money and influence around like they have been.

Brown Duckz · #**1436** Posted **Jul 23, 2007, 7:15 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by neilson

folks like Mr. Hubbert and Mr. McGregor aren't able to throw their money and influence around like they have been.

Money talks..... but your usual ongoing rant seems a bit muted.

neilson · #**1437** Posted **Jul 23, 2007, 8:27 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brown Duckz

Money talks..... but your usual ongoing rant seems a bit muted.

We just want the roads we were promised to be built on time and not on their "revised" time. Problem is that we don't have legislators in Huntsville that have teeth.

Brown Duckz · #**1438** Posted **Jul 23, 2007, 11:35 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by neilson

We just want the roads we were promised to be built on time and not on their "revised" time. Problem is that we don't have legislators in Huntsville that have teeth.

Elect new officials... but please, blaming Montgomery got old a long time ago. If I-65 would have been directed through Huntsville instead of Decatur--this wouldn't even be a discussion. Yes, I know the reason Huntsville got the spur, but that is the biggest drawback Huntsville has endured. Does Huntsville need improvements to state highways as well? If they would have gave 65 to Huntsville and spurred Decatur, I'd imagine Huntsville would be prime for a interstate loop considering it's growth in all directions.

neilson · #**1439** Posted **Jul 23, 2007, 11:57 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brown Duckz

Elect new officials... but please, blaming Montgomery got old a long time ago. If I-65 would have been directed through Huntsville instead of Decatur--this wouldn't even be a discussion. Yes, I know the reason Huntsville got the spur, but that is the biggest drawback Huntsville has endured. Does Huntsville need improvements to state highways as well? If they would have gave 65 to Huntsville and spurred Decatur, I'd imagine Huntsville would be prime for a interstate loop considering it's growth in all directions.

Montgomery resents that we in Huntsville don't try to play the game like Birmingham and Mobile try to. We care more about what Washington, DC says then Montgomery, it's just that when it comes to roads like the Parkway, 565, etc, we have to rely on Montgomery. It all goes back to the fact that we stick out like a sore thumb compared to the rest of the state and this is just Montgomery's way of giving the middle finger to us for not being "Alabama" enough.

TimCity2000 · #**1440** Posted **Jul 24, 2007, 2:41 AM**

i think it's important to differentiate between the city of montgomery and the state government that resides there. brown duckz, i don't think anyone is criticizing your city... just the people in charge who happen to live there.