Year in Preview: Lakeshore interchange

It seems likely that nothing but preparatory work will happen on the Lakeshore Drive diverging diamond interchange project in 2016.

Rob Vermilion of Volkert Engineering, the design firm for the project, said the Federal Highway Administration is reviewing the project plans as part of an “interchange modification study.” This includes a traffic analysis and study of the proposed modifications.

The plans include new off and on ramps onto Interstate 65 at the Lakeshore Drive exit and a “diverging diamond,” which crosses traffic to the opposite side of the road at the bridge over the interstate, creating an opportunity for drivers to veer left onto the interstate without stopping. It also allows vehicles approaching Lakeshore from I-65 off ramps to merge into traffic instead of waiting for a light. This is the first intersection of its kind in Alabama. Vermilion added the project also includes synchronizing traffic signals for a better flow of vehicles through the area.

In a July meeting, Volkert representatives also showed council members plans for a new entrance into the Wal-Mart parking lot from the eastbound lane of Lakeshore. The new entrance would allow drivers to turn right into the parking lot or exit back into the eastbound lane from Walmart, but it would not permit left turns.

All right-of-way access for the project has been granted. Vermilion said that planning and preparation will happen in 2016, and with federal approval he hopes to begin construction in early 2017.

The construction will take less than a year. Vermilion said orange construction barrels will be visible but no lanes will be closed during construction, and he doesn’t anticipate traffic delays caused by the roadwork.

“The entire Lakeshore corridor will move much quicker than what it is now. You won’t have the stop and go traffic you have now,” Vermilion said of the diverging diamond’s impact.