Yellowhammer Times

Progress is underway on a project to enhance pedestrian safety along SR-21 at Jacksonville State University as students return to campus. A new, wider sidewalk between Brewer Hall and Nisbet Street NW opened on Wednesday, coinciding with the start of classes. The current initiative also includes pedestrian barrier islands, asphalt milling and resurfacing, and traffic control markings. Additional improvements feature signing, striping, ADA curb ramps, and detectable warning surfaces.

The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) approved an $800,000 Transportation Alternative Program (TAP) grant for the project. Jacksonville State University is contributing $200,000 in matching funds toward the total cost of $1,066,769.95. Vulcan Materials Asphalt and Construction, LLC is executing the work this summer with Three Notch Group, Inc. handling construction engineering and inspection duties. Completion is expected later this year.

"Jax State is thankful for the collaboration between the University, the City of Jacksonville and the Alabama Department of Transportation to enhance safety for motorists and pedestrians," said JSU Police Chief Michael Barton. He urged campus community members to remain vigilant amid ongoing construction efforts.

In downtown Jacksonville, ALDOT plans further investments in pedestrian safety enhancements on nearby SR-204. These upgrades will include a center turn lane on Nisbet Street NW (SR-204), a new sidewalk connecting Nisbet Lake Road to SR-21, and a new traffic signal at Nisbet Lake Road's intersection with Nisbet Street NW. Separate crosswalk improvements are also planned for Jacksonville City Square. Work on these projects is slated to begin by Spring 2026.

"ALDOT is extremely proud of its part in making these improvements in and around Jacksonville State University," said East Central Region Engineer DeJarvis Leonard. "We look forward to collaborating with these local shareholders to ensure these and other projects continue to address safety for JSU students and the surrounding community."

This effort marks an ongoing partnership between ALDOT, Jacksonville State University, and the City of Jacksonville aimed at improving pedestrian safety and managing increasing traffic volumes efficiently.

Information from this article can be found here.