By 
June 5, 2017
Dr. Jennie Robinson, who represents District 3 on the Huntsville City Council, was hosting a community meeting at a public library branch in South Huntsville recently.
One resident raised his hand, capturing Robinson’s attention.
He had never seen such efficiency and quick progress in road construction as he had noticed on South Memorial Parkway, the man offered. There was a recognition of the scope of the challenge and appreciation for the expediency.
Indeed, five weeks into the overpass project at the Martin Road interchange, construction crews are continuing to work ahead of schedule. Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) officials estimated this piece of the massive South Memorial Parkway improvements would take two months.
“I’m very pleased with how quickly the work is progressing, and it is exciting to watch the bridges taking shape,” Robinson said. “While this has been a challenging process for residents and business owners, I am grateful for how responsive ALDOT has been in managing those challenges. It will be a great project when it’s done, and even better to get it finished ahead of schedule.”
Through traffic north- and southbound on the Parkway has been rerouted to the elevated lanes at Martin Road that will ultimately be exit ramps for the busy road leading to Redstone Arsenal’s Gate 1.
ALDOT, the City of Huntsville and the contractors on this project have coordinated to drastically reduce the time frame for this diversion to remain in place. What motorists might have endured for a year or more may be behind us in a matter of weeks.
Up next? ALDOT spokesperson Seth Burkett says more bridge girders are planned to be set on the overpass at Logan Drive/Lily Flagg Road this month. The next girder setting has been tentatively scheduled for June 11 and 12, but these dates are subject to change. This work will be performed at night and impacts on traffic should be minimal.
ALDOT officials say that some 70,000 vehicles travel through this area daily. The contractors for the project are Reed Construction and Miller & Miller. The South Parkway project began in December 2015. The project has a June 1, 2019, deadline for completion, but has a history of being consistently ahead of schedule.
