Opelika approves right‑of‑way agreements for High Pack Drive and Bridgewater Boulevard
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Summary
Council approved agreements authorizing right‑of‑way donations for the High Pack Drive extension (with Lisa Britton) and Bridgewater Boulevard (with FTC Investments). Staff said both deals are donations of right‑of‑way; the city will bid construction later and return construction contracts and a vacation ordinance to council.
The Opelika City Council approved two right‑of‑way agreements on Dec. 16 that staff said will enable the High Pack Drive extension and a new Bridgewater Boulevard connection to Columbus Parkway.
Scott, a city project presenter, described the High Pack Drive agreement with Lisa Britton as part of an extension from Airport Road to Cunningham Drive that will include a roundabout. He said the city had obtained a donated right‑of‑way from a nearby developer and would seek the needed right‑of‑way at Britton’s property; as part of the agreement, the city will construct the road and later bring a vacation ordinance to transfer a portion of city property back to Britton after construction. "She would get 2 to 1 property," Scott said, describing the land trade.
Scott also presented a right‑of‑way agreement with FTC Investments for Bridgewater Boulevard, which will provide an additional access point to Columbus Parkway east of I‑85. Staff said the developer will donate right‑of‑way at no cost, the city will put the construction work out to bid and return construction contracts to council for approval; an eventual traffic signal is planned to facilitate left turns and reduce congestion.
Why it matters: Both agreements are municipal steps to secure land needed for road projects that staff say will improve traffic access and support future commercial development. Council members confirmed that the city will return with vacation ordinances and construction bids before building the roads.
Next steps: Staff will complete design, acquire remaining right‑of‑way, advertise construction bids and return bid awards and any vacation ordinances to the council for final approval.