FAIRVIEW, Ala. – Sen. Garlan Gudger, R-Cullman and Rep. Randall Shedd, R-Fairview confirmed Thursday that Gov. Kay Ivey has approved a project for improvements, including adding traffic signals, to the intersection of Alabama Highway 69 and Wesley Avenue at Fairview near The Hutch Restaurant. Shedd said the project was made possible because of the 10-cent fuel tax increase that was signed into law earlier this year by Ivey.
“The citizens of Fairview have expressed concern over this area for many years. I am honored to work with Representative Shedd and be a part of making this vitally needed project a reality,” said Gudger. “I anticipate seeing many projects like this come to fruition throughout District 4. This is another great example of what we can achieve when we work together and make decisions that will impact our communities and state for years to come.”
“This is the first of a lot of new highway and bridge projects we expect to announce in the coming months and years,” Shedd said. “I have been working on this project for more than 20 years. The traffic coming from Holly Pond approaching Highway 69 is really in the most danger the way the intersection is configured.”
Shedd complimented Gudger on his work to secure the project and for his support.
The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) is currently working to acquire some additional right-of-way for the project. The configuration of the intersection is difficult, requiring a cost of at least $188,000 for the project.
The project will be paid from new revenue from Ivey’s Rebuild Alabama Program passed by the legislature this year, which means it must be after Oct.1, 2019. An exact timeline for installation depends on right-of-way acquisition.
More than 1,000 signatures asking for safety improvements to the intersection were submitted to the Fairview Town Council last year and in years past.
Gudger and Shedd expressed appreciation to Ivey and ALDOT Director John Cooper for their approval of the project and funding.
Gudger and Shedd also confirmed that construction on completing Alabama Highway 157 is on schedule with construction to begin next spring (2020).
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