HUNTSVILLE —  A project to widen Old Big Cove Road to five lanes took a step forward Thursday following action by the Huntsville City Council.

The city entered into an engineering contract with Barge Design Services, for the continued improvements along the Old Big Cove Road corridor.

The contract includes civil engineering design services consisting of roadway improvements for approximately 1.6 miles between Sutton Road and Claudia Drive consisting of a 5-lane curb and gutter roadway to include sidewalks, bike lanes and street lighting.

The improvements will enhance connectivity between residential developments and surrounding parks and trails. Expanding Old Big Cove Road to five lanes will reduce traffic delays, increase safety, prepare the area for future growth and encourage alternative modes of transportation, the city said.

The city last month approved a funding agreement with the Alabama Department of Transportation for Phase II of improvements on Old Big Cove Road.