MONTGOMERY — What used to be a little country two-lane road in Limestone County has turned into a major artery – still with two lanes. And with the change, came traffic and traffic problems.
To help ease the situation, Gov. Kay Ivey announced a $1 million grant Monday to improve traffic flow and safety on Mooresville Road.
The grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission will be combined with a $500,000 Community Development Block Grant awarded earlier by the governor for resurfacing and other improvements.
The two-lane road which connects Interstate 565 to U.S. 72 is also a main thoroughfare to the nearby Mazda-Toyota Manufacturing plant.
“With the arrival of Mazda-Toyota and other industries, Mooresville Road has outlived its status as a small farm-to-market road and requires upgrading to handle significantly increased traffic,” Ivey said. “I am pleased to announce this funding that will make this route safer and easier to travel.”
The project will involve repairing, leveling and resurfacing the road and improving the shoulders. Turn lanes and traffic signals will also be added.
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs administers the ARC and CDBG grants.
“The Limestone County Commission should be commended for being attentive to the needs of this growing area of Alabama,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “ADECA joins Gov. Ivey in helping to make this needed project a reality.”
Ivey notified Colin Daly, chairman of the Limestone County Commission, that the grant had been approved. The county has pledged $200,000 in local funds for the project.
ARC is an economic development agency of the federal government and 13 state governments. The agency’s mission is to innovate, partner, and invest to build community capacity and strengthen economic growth in Appalachia to help the region achieve socioeconomic parity with the nation. Thirty-seven Alabama counties, including Limestone County, are part of the ARC region and eligible for funds.
ADECA manages a range of programs that support law enforcement, economic development, recreation, energy conservation and water resource management.
