By Cathy Higgins
BAY MINETTE, Ala. — Plans to install a truck-bypass route in Bay Minette seem to be on track.
During last week’s regular North Baldwin Utilities Board meeting, Mayor Jamie Tillery announced that the City Council recently voted to have a contractor draw up a proposal that would be presented to the Alabama Department of Transportation.
“Everybody’s ready for those trucks to stop moving on the square,” she said.
Tillery explained that the council’s vote gave HMR Construction the go ahead to look into necessities involved with such a project.
“HMR is working closely with emergency entities and schools,” she told the NBU Board. “And we’re working with the railroad (company).”
According to Tillery, the proposal centers around focusing truck traffic along Hand Avenue.
“To do this, we have two options,” she said. “One of them is where trucks will turn at Armstrong. Another option is to have them turning at City Hall.”
Both options would considerably alter traffic flow around the Courthouse.
“It’ll slow down traffic on that square, which will go from four lanes to two lanes with a center turning lane,” Tillery said.
According to the mayor, such a project should prove beneficial.
“The community has wanted a more intimate downtown,” Tillery said. “It’ll also increase property values on Hand Avenue.”
She told the board that a pre-construction meeting is scheduled for Jan. 17.
“I’ve asked HMR to present this (plan) in totality,” Tillery said.
She added that the project is one that’s been looked at over the years, with no results.
“This is the most forward the city has every gotten in this endeavor,” Tillery said.
