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About Shelton McCollough

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So far Shelton McCollough has created 143 blog entries.
Thu 16/08/18

Exit 126-B Planned Ramp Closure

2018-11-21T03:59:49+00:00

PLANNED RAMP CLOSURE ON THE I-59/20 SB OFF RAMP (EXIT 126-B), IN BIRMINGHAM

August 16, 2018

As Construction Continues the CBD Project

BIRMINGHAM – Weather permitting, the Alabama Department of Transportation will continue a project to improve the I-59/20 and I-65 Interchange as follows:

  • Monday, August 20th for approximately one week or more the I-59/20 Southbound off-ramp (Exit 126-B) to 31st Street will be closed to install Drainage under the roadway.
  • The Contractor will also be switching the traffic into its final configuration and placing asphalt on the ramp and will finish the retaining wall.

A reduced speed limit of 45 mph is […]

Exit 126-B Planned Ramp Closure2018-11-21T03:59:49+00:00
Thu 17/03/11

Burying the Interstate

2018-11-21T15:40:09+00:00

Space Constraints
The greatest issue to overcome is space. While there is sufficient width between existing buildings for the road itself, the space is insufficient to accommodate full shoulders, or to actually dig the trench – working slopes would be required, causing the “dig” to get underneath numerous adjoining buildings, weakening their foundational support. Additionally, once completed, it would be impossible to expand the roadway at a future date to accommodate the capacity requirements associated with the projected 20-year traffic growth.

Utility Relocation
There are a total of 72 major artery utility lines running beneath the 6,600-foot span of the interstate, comprised of […]

Burying the Interstate2018-11-21T15:40:09+00:00
Mon 17/01/11

Re-decking the Existing Bridges

2018-11-21T13:59:34+00:00

In 2011, after consultation with the City of Birmingham and Jefferson County, it became clear that a simple re-deck would be insufficient to address the design deficiencies that currently subject motorists to persistent congestion and unsafe road conditions along I-59/20 through the Central Business District.

Reasons a simple re-deck is insufficient include:

No Shoulders
There are no shoulders on the current roadway, meaning emergency responders cannot remove disabled vehicles or address emergencies without causing traffic to stop.

Weaves
There are multiple areas in the relatively short 6,600-foot section of the elevated structure where motorists are forced to “weave,” or make unsafe lane crossings, in a short […]

Re-decking the Existing Bridges2018-11-21T13:59:34+00:00
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