R.E.D.E.S.I.G.N Alabama advances plans for safer crossings and better neighborhood access in Birmingham

Why it matters

Blocked crossings can disrupt daily routines and delay access to neighborhoods. R.E.D.E.S.I.G.N Alabama, which stands for Reduce Extended Delays; Enhance Safety; and Invest in Growing Neighborhoods, is designed to address those challenges in Birmingham, Trussville and surrounding communities.

• Neighborhood access: A planned underpass at Brussels Avenue, combined with a planned pedestrian underpass near 59^th Street, would provide residents with an unencumbered route between homes and nearby destinations while also improving access for emergency responders.
• Safer crossings: A planned bridge at Mary Taylor Road would carry vehicle traffic over the tracks, eliminating the need for road and rail traffic to intersect.
• Improve freight flow: Eleven miles of planned train “landing zones,” or space for trains to wait near Norris Yard, would help improve flow into and out of the yard, helping keep trains moving and crossings clear throughout the region.

A partnership built around lasting improvements

Birmingham, Trussville and Norfolk Southern are working together on the project, supported by federal Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements, or CRISI, grant funding.

Project Details Include

• Closing nine rail crossings between Woodlawn and Trussville and reroute traffic to new grade-separated crossing
• Building an underpass at Brussels Avenue.
• Building a pedestrian underpass near 59th Street.
• Extending 5th Avenue South to Brussels Avenue and constructing a sidewalk along 5th Avenue from 56th Street to Brussels Avenue.
• Extending the railroad siding track in Trussville two miles into Norfolk Southern's Norris Yard to allow trains leaving and approaching the yard to pass without blocking motorists.
• Building a bridge at Mary Taylor Road.

What they’re saying

“R.E.D.E.S.I.G.N. Alabama demonstrates what's possible when communities and the railroad collaborate to solve long-standing challenges and engage the right government resources to fund a solution. This investment will enhance safety, improve quality of life, strengthen supply chain connectivity and help ensure that Birmingham continues to thrive as an important rail and economic hub for decades to come.” -- Rodney Moore, Norfolk Southern Vice President of Transportation

“Good infrastructure should work for everybody—our residents, our neighborhoods and our regional economy. This project allows us to solve a problem that has affected people for generations while building a safer, more connected Birmingham.” – Mayor Randall L. Woodfin, City of Birmingham

“By working together with the City of Birmingham, Norfolk Southern, and our federal partners, we are making meaningful progress toward improving safety, reducing traffic delays, and strengthening the infrastructure that supports our region’s economic growth. I am excited to see this project move into the design phase and look forward to the positive impact it can have on our communities for generations to come.” -- Mayor Ben Short, City of Trussville

What comes next

Kimley-Horn will help advance engineering and environmental review to develop the proposed improvements. The Oct. 19 event marked an important step to advance this important project.

To read more about the project, click here.