Yellowhammer Times

The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) has implemented new traffic measures on US-31 in Spanish Fort. The enhancements, introduced in August 2024, address concerns about driver behavior and improper use of the center turn lane during peak traffic times.

Motorists will now see vertical markers within the center turn lane. These delineators indicate where drivers should begin their left turns and discourage misuse of the lane as a passing route.

Following the project's launch, ALDOT, in collaboration with local law enforcement, conducted a safety study funded by federal Highway Safety funds. The study revealed illegal driving behaviors during heavy congestion, posing risks to drivers making legal left turns.

"Center turn lanes are built to allow safer left-hand turns and more efficient thru-lanes, not for bypassing traffic," said ALDOT spokesperson James Gordon. "When drivers use them to pass, they put themselves and others at great risk of an accident, not to mention, the behavior is illegal."

Local law enforcement has observed this illegal activity and issued warnings accordingly. Drivers are advised not to cross or drive over these markers. Violations may result in citations and fines for improper lane use.

ALDOT emphasizes that these changes aim to prevent accidents and ensure public safety. "These changes are not about punishing drivers," Gordon said. "They are about preventing crashes and protecting the people who live, work and travel through this area every day."

For further details on traffic safety and road improvement projects, visit aldotnews.com.

Information from this article can be found here.