Council approves application for Rebuild Alabama grant to repave Lakeshore Parkway
Summary
Council authorized the mayor to apply for Rebuild Alabama grant funds (up to $350,000 with city match) to repave Lakeshore Parkway from West Oxmoor Road to Industrial/Tom Morton Drive and discussed coordination with utilities and quality control measures.
On Jan. 27 the Birmingham City Council approved a resolution allowing the mayor to apply for and accept Rebuild Alabama grant funds, up to $350,000 (with a local match requirement), to repave Lakeshore Parkway from West Oxmoor Road to Industrial Drive/Tom Morton Drive. The proposal was item 14 on the agenda and passed after council questions and staff responses.
Council members asked how the city will protect newly repaved sections from subsequent utility cuts and heavy-truck damage along the heavily traveled corridor. Mayor Randall L. Woodfin said the legal department and transportation staff are coordinating with utilities to improve notices and accountability for post-project restorations. Colin Alexander, program manager for the Department of Transportation, said BDOT and Capital Projects evaluate milling and overlay depths based on vehicle types and coordinate with utility companies, who are asked to provide advanced notice for larger-scale projects.
Councilor questions referenced prior paving dates and emphasized quality-control inspections and coordination with utilities to ensure long-term roadway performance. The resolution authorizing application and acceptance of funds passed at the meeting; council did not announce specific project start dates or the city match amount beyond the requirement that a match exists.
