Valley Avenue to lose a lane

In response to resident complaints about speeding on Valley Avenue, the city council has approved a plan to make Valley Avenue a three-lane road.

At a July 21 Public Safety Committee meeting, committee members discussed the problems posed by drivers exceeding the 35 mph limit. Speeding poses a safety hazard for residents who have to park close to the street, as well as children walking to and from Homewood Middle School. In response, the committee asked Police Chief Jim Roberson to increase targeted enforcement on Valley Avenue.

Skipper Consulting was also asked to perform a traffic study on Valley Avenue and West Valley Avenue as part of the city’s Alabama Transportation Rehabilitation and Improvement Program (ATRIP) resurfacing project. Skipper’s recommendation was to turn Valley Avenue into a three-lane road, with one lane going in each direction and a turn lane in the middle. Ward 2 Representative Britt Thames said this plan should decrease vehicle speeds in the area.

The city council approved this plan at its Aug. 12 meeting. Targeted enforcement will continue on Valley Avenue until the improvements have been made.