Birmingham directs engineering to finish Wimbledon Drive Phase 2 design amid resident concerns over width and safety

After an extended public discussion and multiple resident comments, the Birmingham City Commission on Oct. 27 voted to direct the engineering department to proceed with final design of Wimbledon Drive Phase 2, including replacement of the aging water and sewer mains and resurfacing the street with a 26-foot cape-seal surface to match the recently completed Phase 1.

Engineering Director Melissa Coda told the commission the existing water main dates to 1925 and is a 6-inch main; the proposed replacement is a continuous 12-inch main to tie to recently upgraded mains on Adams Road and Woodward Avenue. The existing combined sewer (8 to 12 inches, installed in the 1920s) also needs replacement, and staff plan separated storm infrastructure to connect with Phase 1. Staff said proceeding with a single design (26-foot cape-seal, no curb) preserves alignment with Phase 1 and keeps the project in the city's upcoming construction schedule.

Residents urged alternative designs, including cape seal with curves or a fully improved street with curbs, citing pedestrian safety, traffic speeds, and the ability to add speed-mitigation features such as bump-outs. Staff responded that preparing bid-ready engineering for two separate surface options would require duplicate design work, add months to the schedule and increase design costs. Several commissioners asked staff to incorporate site-specific traffic-safety measures in the final design review, and staff said traffic and safety considerations would be part of the engineering review.

The motion to proceed with the 26-foot cape-seal design passed after roll-call voting. Commissioners and staff agreed to continue resident outreach during final design and noted the project will return with special-assessment details and a construction timeline in a future meeting.