Gov. Bentley announces road projects in Madison

The projects are part of Round 1 of funding for the Alabama Transportation Rehabilitation and Improvement Program (ATRIP).

Gov. Robert Bentley visited Madison Monday afternoon to announce 34 additional road and bridge projects.

The projects are part of Round 1 of funding for the Alabama Transportation Rehabilitation and Improvement Program (ATRIP).

“We do have the money available to preserve the roads that we have, and that’s very important,” Bentley said. “It’s very important so that we can continue to recruit industry into this state and make sure that we create jobs in this state. … It also puts people back to work.”

Bentley said with these projects, they are moving closer to the goal of improving the safety of roads and bridges through Alabama.

“Many of our bridges are in desperate need of repair or replacement,” he said. “Many of our roads are outdated and cannot handle the current demand. Through ATRIP, we are able to make needed improvements to enhance public safety and quality of life in our communities.”

The 34 projects will be spread over 17 counties in the state.

Bentley said throughout Round 1 of the project, 61 of the state’s 67 counties have received funding for various transportation initiatives.

“As we’ve been out listening to Col. Hamilton, and they talk about the ways that we get people to and from the Arsenal, County Line Road is one of the main north south thoroughfares that we didn’t have a complete answer for,” said Madison Mayor Paul Finley. “We now do with this project, and we thank you guys.”

Finley said in addition to a five-lane road, it will have lighting in order to make it safer, and it will have walking paths.

“That is the number one priority our folks said in the City of Madison, our growth plan requested, our citizens said please help us there,” he added.

ATRIP road and bridge projects require a 20 percent funding match provided by either the local government or through a local public-private partnership, with the remaining 80 percent provided by GARVEE bonds.