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Sidewalking through Jemison
Grant funds helping city with sidewalk project
Published Thursday, June 11, 2009
The City of Jemison’s long awaited sidewalk project is underway. Thursday, workers were preparing the right-of-way along U.S. Highway 31 for construction of the new sidewalks.
Photo by Scott Mims
Making way: David Hanson and Willie Wright prepare the right-of-way off Highway 31 in Jemison for the construction of new sidewalks.
Photo by Scott Mims
Barrels warn traffic that work is in progress.
The sidewalks will run from just south of Jemison Middle School to Dr. Jay Patel’s office, and from Highway 31 to the railroad tracks on Church Street.
“When this project is over, we will have safe sidewalks away from Highway 31 for pedestrians to walk in the business area,” Jemison Mayor Eddie Reed said. “Those sidewalks will provide not only safety but also beautification for our city.”
City leaders began work on the project in 2005. Later, in 2006, the Federal Highway Administration and the state approved a grant totaling nearly $245,000. This involved clearing right-of-way and environmental issues with the state.
Hudman Construction, based in Opelika, was awarded the low bid at $118,663.50. Because the bid amount was lower than expected, the city will have to return a portion of the grant money, city clerk Mary Ellison said.
The city was required to provide matching funds in the amount of $61,241, Ellison added.
When asked about the project’s timeframe, Reed said the contract was for 90 days. The speed of the work will depend on the weather, he indicated. Motorists will face reduced speed limits in the area while the work takes place, due to the proximity of workers to the highway.
The mayor has said in the past that Jemison will continue to seek grants for sidewalks in other areas of the city.
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Comments
Posted by kwsrgraves (anonymous) on June 11, 2009 at 11:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Now, maybe, it will be safe for ALL the pedestrians in Jemison to walk and enjoy the beautiful City of Jemison God has graced us with. Good job guys! ;)
Posted by Care4GodsEarth (anonymous) on June 12, 2009 at 5:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Agreed! These are the kind of improvements that help everyone, businesses and citizens.
1) Beautification of the city
2) More sidewalks equals more walking and healthier neighbors.
Posted by TheDude (Michael Wells) on June 12, 2009 at 10:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)
kw, they may be needing traffic lights put up at the sidewalk intersections for the skateboarders, strollers, & pedestrians. Maybe you can offer yer services and take a job close to home for a couple of weeks.
Posted by Tim7 (anonymous) on June 13, 2009 at 8:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Does anyone know if they are going to put the sidewalk on the side where Piggly Wiggly and in front of Dr. Lisa Green Felbers eye place? My mom, brother and me are pedestrians that we walk alot in town and get groceries, but on wet days we have to deal with mud and very wet grass to get to piggly wiggly. It be nice to have a sidewalk on our side to have a safer and drier route to walk on during the wet days.
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