UA’s 2nd Avenue Overpass Over Train Tracks to Open in August

The University of Alabama's new three-lane overpass on Tuscaloosa's 2nd Avenue is expected to open in August.

In a press release, the University said the project aims to connect 15th Street to Paul Bear Bryant Drive and allow for significantly less pedestrian and vehicular travel over the train tracks there.

According to the University, more than 70,000 vehicles currently come in contact with the railroad that runs along the campus's south end every single day.

"The new three-lane overpass will not only help traffic flow to and from campus but also will be especially helpful for emergency response," a University spokesperson said in the release.

The overpass will also include a protected 10-foot path for pedestrians and bicyclists featuring a concrete barrier, barrier rails and crash cushions to protect anyone on the path from vehicular traffic.

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UA also plans to use space under the overpass for parking. This will help to replace some of the parking lost near Coleman Coliseum, Sewell-Thomas Stadium and the UA School of Law. The newly constructed Capstone Parking Deck across the street from the Bryant Conference Center will also replace some parking spots that will be lost by the construction of the overpass.

Just last month, a UA student was seriously injured after he was struck by a train while trying to cross the tracks late at night.