The Alabama Department of Transportation is making changes to a dangerous and deadly stretch of U.S. 43.
Speeders have long been a problem on U.S. 43 in Colbert County. When curves, a downward slope, and water on the road are added to the mix, the result has been many deadly accidents, including two in the last few weeks.
"I've seen several over the years," says Littleville resident Anthony Dalrymple. "You can't see the water when it's going, it's just a thin layer and you'll lose control before you know it."
To get things under control, The Alabama Department of Transportation is implementing changes to make the highway safer. ALDOT recently posted a sign informing drivers to slow down to 45 miles per hour when it's wet. It flashes on both the northbound and southbound lanes. Littleville Mayor Kenneth Copeland thinks it's a good start.
"it's definitely a step in the right direction," says Copeland.
Changing the speed limit during inclement weather conditions is not the only improvement coming to U.S. 43. ALDOT Spokesman Tony Harris says they are in the final stages of the process to lower the normal speed limit from 65 to 55 miles per hour. In addition to that, two re-surfacing projects slated for next year are being moved up. One of the projects has been modified to include the addition of guard rails and median rails where federal guidelines indicate that it is warranted.
This is good news to drivers in the area.
"Anything like that would definitely improve it," says Dalrymple. "That's for sure."
"I'm happy they're doing something finally," says Dustin Winsted, who attends Colbert Heights High School. After the deaths of two students on the road, Winsted says he's all in favor of the safety improvements.
"Some of my friends died on this road," says Winsted. "I've caught myself going too fast on it a couple of times. I think it's a really good idea."
When the paving project begins, Harris says open grade friction course asphalt will be used. Basically, that means the asphalt allows for better drainage and helps move water off the surface better.
Speeders have long been a problem on U.S. 43 in Colbert County. When curves, a downward slope, and water on the road are added to the mix, the result has been many deadly accidents, including two in the last few weeks.
"I've seen several over the years," says Littleville resident Anthony Dalrymple. "You can't see the water when it's going, it's just a thin layer and you'll lose control before you know it."
To get things under control, The Alabama Department of Transportation is implementing changes to make the highway safer. ALDOT recently posted a sign informing drivers to slow down to 45 miles per hour when it's wet. It flashes on both the northbound and southbound lanes. Littleville Mayor Kenneth Copeland thinks it's a good start.
"it's definitely a step in the right direction," says Copeland.
Changing the speed limit during inclement weather conditions is not the only improvement coming to U.S. 43. ALDOT Spokesman Tony Harris says they are in the final stages of the process to lower the normal speed limit from 65 to 55 miles per hour. In addition to that, two re-surfacing projects slated for next year are being moved up. One of the projects has been modified to include the addition of guard rails and median rails where federal guidelines indicate that it is warranted.
This is good news to drivers in the area.
"Anything like that would definitely improve it," says Dalrymple. "That's for sure."
"I'm happy they're doing something finally," says Dustin Winsted, who attends Colbert Heights High School. After the deaths of two students on the road, Winsted says he's all in favor of the safety improvements.
"Some of my friends died on this road," says Winsted. "I've caught myself going too fast on it a couple of times. I think it's a really good idea."
When the paving project begins, Harris says open grade friction course asphalt will be used. Basically, that means the asphalt allows for better drainage and helps move water off the surface better.
