Redo AL'S Roads

Ticket Talk and I-759 Talk

Nathan Young — Sat, 21 Jul 2012 19:00:07 +0000

Harpersville, AL Debtors Prison Stopped

http://blog.al.com/spotnews/2012/07/judge_halts_debtors_prison_by.html

If you have ever driven through the small town of Harpersville, AL on U.S. 280 you will know what I am about to say. The police have been well-known to operate speed traps along the highway and most of the time when I go through the town I see someone pulled over. But the latest story to come out of the small town has many people buzzing in a bad and negative way. Circuit Judge Hub Harrington from Shelby County has taken control of all cases from people who were jailed for failing to pay court fines and fees. It would make sense if you have fines and refuse to pay them; then you should go to jail. But this story involves the city using a private probation company called Judicial Corrections Services for people who can not pay the fines immediately.

If the defendants could not pay the fine because of money troubles they were locked up; sometimes on bogus failure-to-appear complaints, resulting in more charges that led to more fines, court costs, and more debt. One of the attorneys representing a defendant said in the comments why I think this is a crazy case.

One of the more egregious practices in Harpersville Municipal Court, which is not mentioned in the article, is the fact that the Judge sends indigent persons to the ShelbyCounty Jail (Harpersville does not have its own jail) and passes on the $31 per day charged to them by the jail to the prisoner. Alabama law requires that a prisoner be credited with $15 for each day served in jail so the prisoner is actually having a net charge of $16 per day ADDED to his sentence! This means that the sentence is indefinite and a prisoner could never work off his fines and court costs while incarcerated. Thus, the prisoner owes more money to the city than he did when he was originally incarcerated. This is why Judge Harrington characterized the practice as “Debtor’s Prison.”

All of this is making me think why this is going on in America. I thought America has outlawed any debtor’s prisons but some cities have come up with ways to partner with private firms to make money. At some of these private jails and prisons the more people you keep the more money you make. And the way fines are assessed it makes these people stay in debt for a long time and more likely ending up in jail. This should be illegal! You have to give people a chance to pay their fines and not force them in jail. I am very glad that Judge Hub Harrington is shutting down something he amounted to a judicially sanctioned extortion racket.”

Read the judge’s order at the link below.

http://media.al.com/spotnews/other/Judge%20Hub%20Harrington%20order%20to%20Harpersville.pdf

I-759 Extension Trouble

I read this article from the Gadsden Times about the I-759 extension that is badly needed through East Gadsden.

http://www.gadsdentimes.com/article/20120712/NEWS/120719942?tc=ar

Johnny Harris from ALDOT said the FHWA wants “additional alternates that would avoid that area completely” to be considered. Most of the structures that would be affected by the proposals would be considered “historic” since they are 50 years old or older. And it’s true the area being proposed for the interstate extension would go through neighborhoods with many older homes. I made a map of the possible extensions below. The red line would go around the college and school. The orange line would go north of the college and through the area to connect to U.S. 278. But the Federal Highway Administration wants the area around the yellow line to be considered. This would take the road up to the new shopping center and the Goodyear plant. This option would not solve the traffic problems.

Map not to scale.

So if the FHWA does not want the area already considered for the extension because of the homes that are over “50 years old”, why is this route I have mapped out below not being considered? Why not take I-759 around the back of the college and down toward College Blvd. You would not have to contend with many homes and a good part of the route is already built. This would seem like a great option to me.

No doubt something has to be done to solve the traffic nightmare on Meighan Blvd. These pictures below show the serious traffic problem on Meighan Blvd. at Hood Ave.

This last image is a huge traffic light backup coming out of a shopping center on Hood Ave. which includes a Wal-Mart, Petco, Etc. The light only lets around 3-5 cars out at each cycle. This traffic jam will get worse with an addition of another shopping center when it is built. The I-759 extension is needed big time! Not only the East Gadsden area needs a bypass but the Attalla area needs a bypass as well. Someone from ALDOT and the federal government needs to get that ball rolling!

Tar and Gravel in Alexander City

Nathan Young — Wed, 18 Jul 2012 15:00:00 +0000

I find this story disturbing from the Alexander City Outlook. The city has plans to resurface 62 miles of roads in the city. No big deal right? But the resurfacing will be done with that cheap tar and gravel. You know the roads you expect out in the county on low traffic count county roads. So by this Fall many roads inside the city will have that ugly county road look.

http://www.alexcityoutlook.com/2012/06/04/city-to-resurface-62-miles-of-roads/

Tar and gravel roads lowers desirability; which in turn might actually lower the property values of neighborhoods. Of course the road noise is going to be terrible. And the street is going to be unfit for walking and bike riding. And there is no telling how many windshields will be cracked. Here is a video of how a tar and gravel road is done.

The last time I went down to Alexander City several roads such as Scott Rd., Sunny Level Cut-Off, and Washington St. already had that tar and gravel look. And it just makes the road and the surrounding community look ugly! This is a case of the city losing numerous jobs from Russell Corporation and people talking about corruption in the city government. Have you heard of this story of a city code officer threatening to arrest a citizen for putting up a safe sign at her business. She spoke out during the city council meeting and things got ugly.

So here are pictures of some roads with that current ugly tar and gravel look. If this is the future of Alexander City that town is doomed. You people really need new leadership in the August elections. These tar and gravel roads comes with thin paint lines, reflectors, and in some areas the tar is all that’s left. I hope Alexander City can start climbing from this low.

Pictures from Washington St. a 4-lane road and other roads with the tar and gravel treatment.

Who wants all of that tar washed up on their cars?

Scott Rd.

Sanders Rd.

No Common Sense in Oxford

Nathan Young — Mon, 09 Jul 2012 15:32:07 +0000

I wanted to post this after Mayor Leon Smith and the city council spoke out about improvements to the intersection of Friendship Road and Leon Smith Parkway. The city was offered federal money to convert this intersection to a roundabout; but the city chose to put in place a 4-way stop instead. What disturbs me the most is some of the comments I have seen saying roundabouts do not work; and only traffic lights work to make an intersection safer. But the facts about roundabouts are great and shows why they are very safe. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation and Federal Highway Administration, by converting from a two-way stop control mechanism, such as a flashing light, to a roundabout, a location can experience an 82 percent reduction in severe (injury/fatal) crashes and a 44 percent reduction in overall crashes. Also, by switching from a signalized intersection to a roundabout, a location can experience a 78 percent reduction in severe crashes and a 48 percent reduction in overall crashes. And studies show traffic crashes decline 40 percent and injuries decline 80 percent with roundabouts.

As you can see this intersection has a 2-way stop and Leon Smith Parkway as the right of way. But traffic can back up at this intersection and eventually people give up and pull out in front of traffic almost causing an accident. So for now a 4-way stop is going to be put into place soon. It will make this intersection safer for now but soon with all of the new development going in traffic counts will make this future 4-way stop obsolete. So why not bite the bullet now and put in the roundabout Oxford.

Roundabout Construction (homtvnews.wordpress.com)
What Not To Do At A Dark Traffic Light (redoalabama.com)

What Not To Do At A Dark Traffic Light

Nathan Young — Mon, 02 Jul 2012 16:22:37 +0000

After the storms came through the Anniston area. I came up to a traffic light on Quintard Ave. at Greenbrier Dear Rd. that was out. A power outage meant this light was dark. And this is not a simple intersection. This intersection had a 6-lane highway meeting a 4-lane highway. So that means this intersection sees a lot of traffic all the time. It was very disturbing seeing the numerous cars just ignoring the dark traffic light like it wasn’t even there. I am very surprised a major wreck did not occur before the power came back on. You are supposed to treat a dark traffic light as a 4-way stop. But hardly anyone did just that. And the worst part; two cop cars just ignored the dark traffic light as well. Watch the video and be shocked on how most people in Alabama drive.

Roadscapes Wednesday: Old Traffic Lights (geekalabama.com)
Roadscapes Wednesday: Maintaining A Traffic Light (geekalabama.com)

The Talladega Bypass

Nathan Young — Mon, 25 Jun 2012 18:27:16 +0000

After reading these stories from The Daily Home about what ALDOT has planned for the Talladega bypass at AL-77. I think someone at ALDOT is smoking something. The City of Talladega wants ALDOT to put in an interchange with a bridge or a traffic light. But ALDOT is saying they will only put it stop signs on the AL-77 side while the bypass traffic will not have to stop.

http://www.dailyhome.com/view/full_story/18934196/article-Plans-for-intersection-worry-city-officials?

http://www.dailyhome.com/view/full_story/18949367/article-State-to-do-traffic-study-before-making-decision?

I think this is a stupid move and people will get hurt or killed before ALDOT does the right thing. I went down to this intersection to see the progress.

Currently at this intersection AL-275 ends at AL-77. And during the day major traffic backups occur at this intersection. I saw several cars pulling out of other traffic almost causing accidents.

Car pulling out of truck.

And just look at the long line of traffic waiting at the stop sign.

The City of Talladega has a police car recording this intersection with a camera so they convince ALDOT this intersection is dangerous.

ALDOT do the right thing and put in a traffic light. I also noticed the brand new District 4 headquarters being built in Alexander City. If you can afford a new building you can afford a traffic light.

Roadscapes Wednesday: Old Traffic Lights (geekalabama.com)

I-20 and I-59 Updates

Nathan Young — Wed, 13 Jun 2012 05:13:01 +0000

First here is my video of the Interstate 20 road work in Cleburne County. You just have to love those rumble strips!

This post is also about updates to the road works on East Alabama Interstates. The I-59 Etowah County Road work is trying to move along. At least they are now putting asphalt over the old concrete lanes.

And the southbound I-59 bridge at US 11 is now gone!

Now for the I-20 updates. The sinkhole detour is now gone and the westbound lanes are back to normal. And the lanes in the Calhoun County work zone has moved to the newly paved median. And on the eastbound side at exit 185 there is a contraflow situation set up.

Borrowing Against Our Future

Nathan Young — Fri, 01 Jun 2012 04:43:10 +0000

Governor Bentley announced the latest project to improve Alabama’s roads and bridges. Called the Alabama Transportation Rehabilitation and Improvement Program. Funding for ATRIP comes through the use of GARVEE bonds. GARVEE is the term commonly used to describe the Grant Anticipation Revenue Vehicles Bond Program. The problem is these bonds are from future federal highway funding! Which means down the road we will have less federal funding to fund and maintain our infrastructure. This statement from the governor’s press release pretty much sums up the failure this is going to be.

Through the use of GARVEE bonds, Alabama is able to access future federal dollars now in order to pay for road and bridge projects that are needed immediately. With interest rates on municipal bonds at historic lows, the use of GARVEE bonds makes strong financial sense as the low-cost of borrowing is generally lower than the rising cost of inflation in construction projects.

“By using GARVEE bonds, we are able to make much-needed improvements without raising taxes,” Governor Bentley said. “In addition, this program will create construction jobs across the state as projects move forward, and by making areas more attractive to prospective employers, the ATRIP program will help with the long-term recruitment of even more jobs in the future.”

Why are we not looking at actually funding our infrastructure in Alabama. Which will mean I am going to have to mention the dreaded “T” word. Alabama is going to have to raise taxes to properly fund our roads and bridges. Borrowing money from future federal funding is just a stupid move. So we are borrowing money now and in the future we will have little money left to maintain the infrastructure we have. Smart move Alabama.

The projects will require a 20 percent funding match provided by either the local government or through a local public-private partnership, with the remaining 80 percent provided by GARVEE bonds. And the 105 projects announced this round represent $138.5 million in funding during the initial round of ATRIP. Why doesn’t the Alabama Legislature allow counties to raise their own taxes so they can maintain their infrastructure? It’s like college kids having to rely on mom and dad for spending money. The Alabama Legislature needs to quit acting like kings and allow the counties to have some home rule. But I know this legislature just loves their power. So that’s not going to happen anytime soon. Oh well; I guess we will continue to enjoy our bad roads and bridges.

Click on this link to read the governor’s press release. http://www.governor.alabama.gov/news/news_detail.aspx?ID=6616

Click on this link to read the projects that are going to be done in this round. http://www.myfoxal.com/link/564592/atrip-list

Related articles

Union Grove Road To Be Resurfaced As Part of New ‘ATRIP’ Program (whnt.com)
County By County: Which Roads Will Be Improved? (whnt.com)

Black Eyes for ALDOT

Nathan Young — Fri, 25 May 2012 15:30:47 +0000

So I wanted to share some recent stories that have brought the spotlight back to ALDOT in a negative way. This first story which made national news was about the town of Rainsville, Alabama and DeKalb County wanting to put up signs pointing people to a tornado shelter off of AL Highway 35. Here is a picture of the signs that are now going to be put up. http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2012/05/08/red-tape-twister-alabama-county-blocked-from-putting-up-signs-directing-people/

From Fox News

The excuse from ALDOT on why the signs can not be put up was crazy. Someone from ALDOT said ”The use of shelter directional signs have not yet been approved for installation on state roads,” he wrote, adding that “the overuse and overcrowding of signs can be a distraction to motorist (sic) and often lead to a disregard or disrespect of necessary regulatory and roadway warning signs.” Just another crazy excuse from the folks of ALDOT. But after the national news exposure ALDOT decided to allow the signs.

But this is not the only crazy thing ALDOT is going through. Down in Mobile County Alabama U.S. Highway 98 has gone through numerous lawsuits over they way the 4-lane highway was built. The reason why was because the construction was polluting the water source for the city of Mobile Alabama. And the current 2-lane highway dubbed “Bloody 98″ has to be used because of mismanagement at ALDOT. Learn more about this embarrassment at http://www.fox10tv.com/dpp/news/special_reports/special-report-the-road-to-nowhere.

But hey; we can keep holding back progress on U.S. 280 in Birmingham and keep adding stores and traffic lights because we can not zone off growth properly. Also we can’t think about mass transit because we just love our cars. This video from the UAB media class highlights the 280 problem perfectly!

Environmental groups revise lawsuit concerning Birmingham’s Northern Beltline (al.com)
The Glencoe Speed Limits (youngsblog.com)
US 280 traffic lights to aid flow go up in fall (al.com)

I-59 Road Work

Nathan Young — Wed, 16 May 2012 20:23:50 +0000

I took some photos of a closed interstate. Yep I went onto the closed portion of I-59 in the Etowah County work zone. Both lanes of traffic are currently on the northbound side. And the southbound side is currently closed and about to be worked on. As you can see this work is really needed.

ALDOT has had this project delayed for a long time and this entire project should have been done by now. Come on ALDOT; let’s get this done!

Crazy Interstate Stuff

Nathan Young — Sun, 06 May 2012 19:51:05 +0000

I have even more photos to show off of some Alabama interstates. The first is I-20 in Cleburne County. On Saturday I saw a surprise I never thought I would see ever again.

Yep; ALDOT has finally raised the speed limit back to 70 from the Calhoun/Cleburne county line toward Georgia. But would this last? No! Right after exit 205 the speed limit drops down back to 55.

Someone getting killed by a pothole had to cause all of this. Oh well; no one follows the speed limit at all because this is crazy! Also in Birmingham last week I encountered this on the ramp from U.S. 31 to I-65 south in Fultondale.

That’s right; there is no paint lines on the road at all. This is a very dangerous situation especially at night. ALDOT; get some paint down in this location. At least this is not on a state highway. Taken on Lowery Pkwy. in Fultondale. Yes it’s a speed limit of 27.