City Council approves $15 million grant application to convert 4th Ave to two-way traffic
The Council approved a resolution for a grant application seeking $15 million for the Reconnecting Communities and Neighborhoods Program with the U.S. Department of Transportation to convert 4th Avenue North from a one-way to a two-way street.
This would take place from 24th Street North to 9th Street North through the downtown corridor. This program is part of the bi-partisan infrastructure bill that was passed by Congress in 2021. These conversion plans are supported by the City Center Master Plan and Northside/Southside Framework Plans, which have shown a need to convert several one-way streets as a way to boost economic activity and help prevent incidents of reckless driving.
This corridor is the home of the Fourth Avenue Business District. According to representatives with the City’s Department of Transportation, national studies have shown that converting roads from one-ways is a big boon for local businesses. Two-way traffic allows for people to access these stores from both directions and allows for a slower pace of traffic.
“I know we have had many instances of collisions at the intersection by the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame and there is some confusion with drivers when they are passing through this area,” Council President Wardine Aleander said. “I think it’s so important for the City to support this historic Black business center. I am hopeful this grant application will be successful and we will be able to make our roadways a little safe and more supportive for local businesses.”
Most of the cost would be incurred from outfitting the intersections with new signals and ADA compliant features.
This corridor is located in an “area of persistent poverty” and therefore does not require the typical 80/20 percent grant match under federal guidelines. However, in order to strengthen the grant application, the City will be contributing $2 million towards the project in the event the application is successful.
The plans could include additional street parking, traffic calming, bike lanes and more. This process is still in the early planning phases and more information will be released as it becomes available.
Here is the item as it appeared on the agenda:
ITEM 30.
A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute any and all documents required for the City to apply for a Reconnecting Communities and Neighborhood (RCN) Program grant from United States Department of Transportation in the amount of up to $15,000,000.00 to convert 4th Ave North from a one-way to a two-way from 24th Street to 9th Street. This grant requires matching funds in the amount of twenty percent (20%) of the total grant received by the City and authorizing the Mayor to take any and all actions and execute such documents as are appropriate and necessary to accept and expend the grant funds on behalf of the City in accordance with the grant documents. (Submitted by the City Attorney)(Recommended by the Mayor and the Chief Community Planner)
