Florence West College Street Extension Project: Florence, Ala. City officials emphasize the West College Street Extension project’s vital importance.
They aim to bridge the gap between Cypress Creek’s western community resources and West Florence with the rest of the city.
I think it would bring economic development and open up west Florence. The community right now is, basically, not engaged and we want it to become engaged,” says Florence City Councilmember Kaytrina Simmons.
A public information meeting on Tuesday showcased project plans. Councilmember Simmons has advocated for this project since taking office in 2016.
“Ive never let up on it, I continue to speak on it and advocate on it, and Im not going to stop advocating on it until it comes to fruition,” Simmons added.
The City of Florence proposes constructing a new roadway, bridge, and pedestrian accommodation over Cypress Creek, linking areas west of Cypress Creek with the West Florence neighborhood and the central business district of Downtown Florence.
The project aims to provide a new roadway and bridge connecting west Florence to State Route 20 west of Cypress Creek. Additional right-of-way is required for construction.
Currently, three alternatives are under consideration for this project, and some residents at Tuesdays meeting express approval.
“Living in Florence my whole life, it takes you straight to Savannah Highway which will circle you back around to Cox Creek. That gives you an exit from the west side to get into the city. Moving forward as we talked to the architect, it has the walking and riding lanes it had room for expansion and growth. So, as the City of Florence grows that can grow as well,” say Florence Residents Lorenza & Linda Collier.
Florence Mayor Andy Betterton mentions local and federal support for the project. Betterton indicates that the timeline for construction commencement and cost estimation is currently unknown.
“Initially, we thought $18-20 million, but when you engineer it to federal standards theres a lot more work to do. It could be three to five years to get there. What were trying to do now is get it to a point where its almost shovel ready so we can move forward with the project,” stated Betterton.
If you’re interested in providing feedback on the proposal, input must be submitted by November 29th.
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