ALDOT Asks for Input About Improving Intersection of Skyland and McFarland Boulevards

Drivers who use the busy Skyland Boulevard and McFarland Boulevard corridor will have a chance to weigh in on how to improve it later this month.

The Alabama Department of Transportation will host a come-and-go public involvement meeting at Skyland Elementary School next Tuesday, June 23, from 5 to 7 p.m., where attendees can view project exhibits and speak directly with ALDOT representatives. The school is located at 408 Skyland Boulevard East.

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The proposed project includes turn lanes, changes to traffic signals and access management along Skyland Boulevard (US-11) from the McFarland Boulevard (US-82) intersection to east of Andrews Street, along with an additional eastbound left-turn lane from McFarland onto Skyland.

That’s generally the area around the old McFarland Mall property, which is slated for radical redevelopment by developer Stan Pate in the near future.

More than 20,000 vehicles use the corridor daily, according to ALDOT.

John McWilliam, a spokesperson for ALDOT in West Alabama, said federal studies show that improving access management along busy corridors can halve crash rates and improve traffic flow.

Residents unable to attend the meeting next week can view project maps and submit comments online.

For more exclusive coverage of traffic and infrastructure in West Alabama, stay connected to the Tuscaloosa Thread.