By Hamilton Richardson
Elmore/Autauga News
Top Photo: Residents who attended the Fairview Avenue Public Information meeting looked over maps of the proposed project.
Thursday night at Trinity United Methodist Church was an opportunity for Prattville residents to come to one location and inspect all maps regarding Project Number STPMN-0115 (252), which is the major project planned for Fairview Avenue.
Interested folks came to peruse the maps, talk with local officials about the project and leave comments, questions and concerns about the proposed plan, which includes improvements to Fairview Avenue from SR-3 (US-31) to Jasmine Trail.
Specifically, the purpose of the project is to improve traffic flow and safety performance on Fairview Avenue through the corridor between US-31 to Jasmine Trail in Autauga County. Improvements were recommended in the Transportation Planning Study to include the following:
–Widen Fairview Avenue to three lanes from US Highway 31 to Diane Drive to allow for two through lanes and a shared left turn lane. The project will terminate with a dedicated left turn lane at Diane Drive.
–Add sidewalk along the south side of Fairview Avenue from US Highway 31 to Diane Drive. Add sidewalk along the north side of Fairview Avenue between Tew Court and Walker Street.
–Add right turn lanes at Edgewood Avenue, Sycamore Drive and Brookhaven Drive.
–Install median and turn lane improvements at the US Highway 31 intersection, along with a signal modification to provide protected left turns from Fairview onto US Highway 31.
–Install a new signal at the intersection of Fairview Avenue and Jasmine Trail.
Robby Anderson, Prattville City Engineer, said that the public input is important and that every comment and concern will be taken into consideration.
“All comments will be addressed,” he said, adding that even after the meeting, he encourages people to come to City Council meetings and even to call his office with further comments or questions.
Anderson explained that the $4 million project has been in the works for about three years and will be funded with Federal MPO (Metropolitan Planning Organization) funds.
“It’s been in concept for a while,” Anderson said.
The engineer also commented that the goal would be to get final approval by the end of 2022 and to have the project completed by the end of 2023, although he said there are lots of things to get right before any specific dates can be guaranteed.
“We are working with the DOT (Department of Transportation), so they have input, materials are going up and fuel is going up, so there are a lot of things to consider,” he said.
Anderson said some of the comments received by residents have actually been very positive and recognize the benefit of the project. Others are concerned with safety and congestion.
“We will have continued police presence to monitor speed,” he assured.
Prattville citizens that would like to share comments or concerns with Anderson regarding the Fairview Avenue project should call the Engineering Office 334-595-0550. See more photos below.
