A better, faster Rocky Ridge, U.S. 280 intersection
As a late addition to the Alabama Department of Transportation’s U.S. 280 Intersection Improvement Project, Rocky Ridge Road could be more manageable for drivers around the beginning of August.
According to Division 3 Engineer Brian Davis, ALDOT is stepping outside its jurisdiction to improve not only the intersection of Rocky Ridge and U.S. 280 but also the intersection of Rocky Ridge and Shades Crest Roads in an attempt to move traffic more quickly through the junction.
“Where Shades Crest comes into Rocky Ridge is not one of our intersections, but it’s so close to 280 it has an effect on the highway,” Davis said. “We elected to include the signal in our work because of its proximity, so we’re treating it as one large intersection.”
Davis said when complete, the single lane on Shades Crest that currently connects to Rocky Ridge will have clearly-defined right- and left-turn lanes.
In addition, Rocky Ridge Road will have two receiving lanes from U.S. 280 and three left-turn lanes from Rocky Ridge back to the highway.
Other work at the intersection includes coordinating the signals and eliminating access to Rocky Ridge Road from Florida Short Route, currently located only a few yards from the 280 intersection.
“It’s still very complex where Shades Crest comes into Rocky Ridge. That intersection should never have been that close to 280,” Davis said. “We were forced to include it for functionality.”
Davis said motorists should be preparing for the changes at this and the 26 other intersections undergoing construction along 280. APAC Mid-South and Dunn Construction have been offered incentives to complete work on intersections between Hollywood Boulevard in Homewood and Pump House Road in Vestavia Hills before Aug. 5.
“Some maneuvers will be very different on completion than the ones drivers have gotten used to making in the last seven years,” Davis said. “Drive slowly and cautiously, and make plans to ride through on the weekend to get used to the changes.”
Davis said ALDOT began distributing educational material and airing television commercials the week of July 22 to get motorists acclimated to the changes.