Nov
19
Posted by Jeff on Thursday, November 19, 2009 - 2 08 pm
Yesterday Govenor Bob Riley announced his intentions to ask Alabama Legislatures to consider a $710 Million deal that would create a toll road from Elton B. Stephens Expressway to Eagle Point Parkway on Highway 280.
Gov. Bob Riley called on the Birmingham business community to help him push through plans for a toll road stretching from the Elton B. Stephens Expressway to Eagle Point in Shelby County.
The plan is the latest one that addresses the growing traffic problems on U.S. 280. Changes from past plans calls for up to $300 million to create grade-level toll lanes from Elton B. Stephens Expressway to Interstate 459 and $410 million to build an elevated toll road from I-459 to Eagle Point Parkway.
I currently work off of 280 and will agree (as does everyone else) that there has to be something done. I am just not sure that I feel like a $700 million toll road is the right idea. Granted the project is stating it will be completed in 3 years (which means 6) and will help to relief the pressure of driving but will Alabamians actually pay a toll? In the NE toll roads are quote common and most everyone excepts them as part of traveling. In Alabama that is not the case.
For me, I think it would be interesting to see a comparison study (and some polling) of the use of this money for the toll road vs public transportation (something people in the south also do not use, IMHO).
So what do you think, Is a toll road the right way or is a Public Transportation system the best way to fix Highway 280?
