A construction project designed to make U.S. 43 in Colbert County safer is now underway.
Diane Overton has lived in Colbert County for more than 10 years. U.S. 43 is a part of her daily route. Overton has personally experienced problems while driving on the highway. Her two biggest issues are speeders and the slippery surface when it rains.
"When you get a lot of water on there, you need to control it or something," says Overton.
A series of accidents in March claimed the lives of three people. The deaths prompted major safety concerns about the portion of U.S. 43 that stretches from the rock cut just north of Littleville to Colbert County Road 61. In April, the Alabama Department of Transportation lowered the speed limit from 65 to 55 miles per hour and 45 miles per hour when it's raining. In addition the speed limit changes, ALDOT also moved up a six mile resurfacing project to begin this summer.
This week, workers began removing the old surface and preparing it for a brand new open friction course.
"It's a type of pavement that allows water that falls on the surface to get off the payment quicker," explains Allen Teague, the Assistant Division Engineer for the Alabama Department of Transportation. "It's also a type of pavement that has better friction between the tires and the pavement."
According to Teague, a quieter ride is one other benefit of the new pavement, plus drivers can see striping on the road better at night. During the project, Teague says another safety feature will also be added.
"We're going to put a double-faced guard rail down a portion of the project," says Teague.
For drivers like Diane Overton, seeing the changes take place is a big relief.
"It's just been a long time coming," says Overton. "It's going to pay off, I hope."
Teague says the entire project on U.S. 43 is considered what's called "100 working days." Of course, the amount of work that's done is contingent on the weather. As far as the actual removal of the old surface, Teague says that should be done by next week.
Diane Overton has lived in Colbert County for more than 10 years. U.S. 43 is a part of her daily route. Overton has personally experienced problems while driving on the highway. Her two biggest issues are speeders and the slippery surface when it rains.
"When you get a lot of water on there, you need to control it or something," says Overton.
A series of accidents in March claimed the lives of three people. The deaths prompted major safety concerns about the portion of U.S. 43 that stretches from the rock cut just north of Littleville to Colbert County Road 61. In April, the Alabama Department of Transportation lowered the speed limit from 65 to 55 miles per hour and 45 miles per hour when it's raining. In addition the speed limit changes, ALDOT also moved up a six mile resurfacing project to begin this summer.
This week, workers began removing the old surface and preparing it for a brand new open friction course.
"It's a type of pavement that allows water that falls on the surface to get off the payment quicker," explains Allen Teague, the Assistant Division Engineer for the Alabama Department of Transportation. "It's also a type of pavement that has better friction between the tires and the pavement."
According to Teague, a quieter ride is one other benefit of the new pavement, plus drivers can see striping on the road better at night. During the project, Teague says another safety feature will also be added.
"We're going to put a double-faced guard rail down a portion of the project," says Teague.
For drivers like Diane Overton, seeing the changes take place is a big relief.
"It's just been a long time coming," says Overton. "It's going to pay off, I hope."
Teague says the entire project on U.S. 43 is considered what's called "100 working days." Of course, the amount of work that's done is contingent on the weather. As far as the actual removal of the old surface, Teague says that should be done by next week.
