TROY, Ala. (TROJANVISION) — The intersection of George Wallace Drive and Highway 231 sees heavy traffic every day, and city officials say changes are coming to make it safer.
The city is pursuing a roughly 2.5 million grant for the project, which will use a combination of city, state and federal funding.
One major area of concern involves the George Wallace exit of Sonic Drive-In and drivers who try to turn left amid traffic.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Section of road along George Wallace Drive causes concern for drivers
“There’s no way to stop every traffic accident, but hopefully this will provide an opportunity so that when someone who is trying to be good-hearted tries to wave somebody through, this will eliminate that option,” said Jason Reeves, the mayor of Troy. “There won’t be an ability for a left hand turn.”
Plans call for additional right turn lanes on both sides of the intersection.
The project will also create right-in, right-out access at both Corman Avenue, and Troy Plaza Loop. A barrier will also be added to prevent left turns.
“When this is all done this will be a wonderful thing; people won’t have to wait on the light being long, traffic will flow better, it will be safer,” said Reeves.
The city is working with the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) and Three Notch Group on the engineering. Officials are also planning to tear down the old AT&T building as part of the improvements.
Click here to see an overview of changes to Trojan Parkway, S George Wallace, Troy Plaza Loop and US-231
According to Reeves, these improvements will not only be a city effort, but a community effort as well.
“I would just ask for patience when things start,” said Reeves. “Obviously there will be people out there working, and anytime that you do something to improve a situation, it always gets worse before it gets better while there’s construction going on.”
Reeves said the city hopes the project is ready to go to bid by the end of the calendar year, with construction following once planning is finalized.
