Alabaster to assess all traffic lights owned by the city

By NOAH WORTHAM | Managing Editor

ALABASTER – The Alabaster City Council approved a city wide traffic light signal assessment as well as an agreement for a traffic signal modification for the upcoming light which will be located at the intersection of Alabama 119 and Thompson Road.

During the meeting, the council approved a professional services agreement with Sain Associates to scope all traffic lights that are the responsibility of the city of Alabaster at a cost not to exceed $60,000.

“The scope of the work will cover all 35 city-owned traffic signals throughout the city and give any recommendations of any future upgrades needed,” Councilmember Greg Farrell said.

The city of Alabaster is currently working on trying to get all of its assets in an asset management system, including elements such as paving, traffic signals, streetlights, signs drainage structures, gutters, speed humps, the sewer system and more.

“We’re trying to get it in a GIS-based asset management system,” said Fred Hawkins, director of environmental, engineering and building services for the city of Alabaster. “This is just the next step. We’re going to go open up all of our traffic signals, do an inventory of what’s in the cabinet, all the equipment that’s in there (and) how old it is so that we can manage it properly.”

Additionally, the Alabaster City Council approved an agreement with the Alabama Department of Transportation for a traffic signal modification for the intersection of Alabama 119 and Thompson Road.

According to Dawkins, the resolution was approved for the city’s upcoming recreation center and library that will be built. The city has to make improvements to that intersection, including a traffic light which will have decorative mast arms and turn lanes.

During the meeting, Alabaster Mayor Scott Brakefield was accompanied by Police Chief Curtis Rigney as he delivered a proclamation declaring the week of May 12 through May 18 as National Police Week.

“The members of the law enforcement agencies of the city of Alabaster play an important role in safeguarding the rights and freedoms of our citizens (and) of our community,” Brakefield said in reading the proclamation. “It is important that all citizens know and understand  the problems, duties and responsibilities of their police department and that members of our department recognize their duty to serve the people by safeguarding life and property, protecting them against violence or disorder.”

Brakefield also delivered another proclamation to the City Council declaring May 19 through May 24 as National Public Works Week and was accompanied by four representatives from the Alabaster Public Works Department.

“Publics works professionals focus on infrastructure, facilities and services that are vitally important to sustainable and resilient communities and to the public health, high quality of life and well-being of people,” Brakefield said in reading the proclamation. “These infrastructures, facilities and services could not be provided without the dedicated efforts of public work professionals who are dedicated to keeping Alabaster clean, safe and beautiful by providing waste collection services, public infrastructure, maintenance, landscaping and many other essential services for our citizens.”

In other news, the Alabaster City Council approved the following items on the agenda:

• A resolution to authorize the purchase of 4.8 acres of property from Specification property at the corner of Simmsville Road and Highway 68 in the amount of $700,000
• A resolution to appoint Todd Davis to Place 2 of the Commercial Development Authority of the city with a term ending March 15, 2028
• A resolution declaring items as surplus from various departments
• A resolution to appoint Brian Pavlick to the Alabaster Housing Abatement Board as Ward 5 representative and filling the unexpired term of Lea Ann Chadwick ending on Nov. 3, 2025.
• Set a public hearing for June 24 at 6:30 p.m. to abate weeds at 1804 Mohawk Drive, 1226 Thompson Road and 1432 Royalty Drive in Alabaster

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