News Summary
Highway 31 in Vestavia Hills will be closed this weekend for the installation of a new pedestrian bridge, enhancing community walkability. The closure begins on June 22, with all lanes shut down between Waldridge Road and Merryvale Road. This project, spanning two decades, includes the addition of stairs and an elevator to provide safe access for all pedestrians. The bridge is expected to be completed by mid-September and is part of a larger initiative to improve pedestrian safety in the area.
Vestavia Hills—Highway 31 will be temporarily closed this weekend for the installation of a new pedestrian bridge, a project that has been two decades in the making. The closure will commence on Sunday, June 22, at 10:30 p.m., with all lanes of Highway 31 shut down between Waldridge Road and Merryvale Road. Work is set to conclude by 6 a.m. on Monday, June 23.
In preparation for the installation, crews may begin staging activities as early as 9 p.m. on June 22. A clearly marked detour route will be in place, redirecting traffic from the traffic light at Baumhower’s Victory Grill, behind Wald Park, and back to U.S. 31 at Vestavia Hills Elementary Central. To manage the flow of vehicles during the closure, Vestavia Police will be present on-site to assist in directing traffic.
The new pedestrian bridge spans 177 feet and is designed to enhance community walkability by connecting crucial amenities, such as Wald Park and the Library in the Forest. The bridge will feature both an elevator and stairs on the library side of Highway 31, catering to pedestrians and individuals with mobility challenges.
In addition to the bridge structure, the project will reconstruct approximately 300 feet of sidewalk and add an additional 280 feet of new sidewalk. Over the past month, workers have been engaged in electrical and lighting work to prepare for the bridge’s installation.
The entire installation process will require further highway closures over the coming weeks; however, efforts will be made to limit disruptions to overnight hours. The bridge is anticipated to open to the public by late August to mid-September.
The total cost of the pedestrian bridge project is approximately $3.2 million, with Vestavia Hills being responsible for just 20% of that total. Local officials highlight the importance of improving pedestrian safety, particularly for families and children crossing Highway 31. Residents have expressed their enthusiasm for the new bridge, noting that it will significantly enhance safety and accessibility within the community.
This new development is part of a larger initiative to improve walkability and connectivity throughout Vestavia Hills. The city has been concentrated on developing infrastructure that promotes safer pedestrian environments, fostering a community that is not only more interconnected but also more conducive to walking and cycling. By enhancing access to essential facilities and parks, officials are aiming to create a more engaging and safer environment for both residents and visitors.
As the city prepares for this significant upgrade, community leaders urge residents to plan for potential traffic delays and to utilize the designated detour routes during the construction period. The installation of the pedestrian bridge is poised to make a substantial difference in the lives of those living in the area, ushering in an era of improved accessibility and safety for pedestrians.
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Additional Resources
- WVTM 13
- Wikipedia: Vestavia Hills
- WBRC
- Google Search: Vestavia Hills pedestrian bridge
- Vestavia Voice
- Google Scholar: Vestavia Hills construction
- ABC 33/40
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Vestavia Hills
- CBS 42
- Google News: Vestavia Hills highway closure
