Changes on way for 41 – Passing lanes, straightening ahead

Published 11:05 am Wednesday, April 2, 2008

By By Lisa Tindell – news editor
Travelers along Alabama 41 north of Brewton may still be several years away from seeing a four-lane, but the promise of some passing lanes and straightened curves may make traveling the road an easier trip.
Mayor Ted Jennings, along with two state representatives, met Tuesday with D.W. Vaughn, chief engineer and deputy director of the Alabama Department of Transportation, to iron out details. Alabama Communities of Excellence chairman Yank Lovelace, State Rep. Alan Baker and State Rep. Harry Shriver were on hand for the meeting.
Vaughn met with Jennings, Lovelace, Baker and Shriver to discuss the process for the planned lane and curve changes in the existing Alabama 41 route.
With the process taking up to five years before actual construction could begin, government leaders are looking to find a way to have an immediate impact on the area creating some relief in traffic on the roadway.
Although DOT officials have not released a cost or timeline for the project, the work will begin in the near future.
Work done on the project planned will work with future plans of four-laning the same stretch of Alabama 41.
Word from DOT officials is expected as early as next week on a timeline and cost for the upcoming project plan.