Birmingham · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Birmingham public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Rex Lake Road infrastructure partnership
An interlocal agreement with Jefferson County would fund Rex Lake Road improvements, with about 0.13 miles inside city limits and a city cost capped near $96,616.
US 78 / Continental Gin corridor redesign grant
The city sought to apply for a $2 million state grant — with no local match — to redesign the US 78 (3rd Avenue South) stretch in front of Continental Gin.
Box culvert emergency repair on 66th Street South
An emergency contract up to $119,200 with Gillespie Construction would repair a failing box culvert wall under 66th Street South near Interlaken Avenue — repairs that grew more extensive than first expected.
$17 million BJCTA transit agreement
The council was to fund a full year of bus, paratransit, Via on-demand rides, and BRT service — $17 million total. This is how thousands of riders get to work, school, and appointments.
Emergency sinkhole repair on Roberts Industrial Drive
A $32,950 emergency contract with Gillespie Construction was on the agenda to fill a sinkhole — flowable fill, stone, and asphalt patching.
Woodcrest Road South closure
The council was set to schedule a November 17 public hearing on closing about 900 feet of Woodcrest Road South and Warick Court South because the roadway has deteriorated dangerously.
Citywide street resurfacing
Bids would fund the Norwood streetscape project at 12th Avenue North ($50,295) and citywide traffic calming ($47,872).
Bridge and trail grant applications
The Council was scheduled to authorize TIP grant applications of up to $4 million to replace bridges on West Blvd and 1st Ct N near Roebuck Golf Course, and up to $5 million for the Red Rock Trail Corridor C from Robert Jemison Road to the Vulcan Trail.
19th Street Ensley street improvements
A resident told the council Ensley needs a grocery store and repaved streets. It's part of a long-running push for more investment in the neighborhood.
Railroad grade crossing improvements
Licenses with Alabama & Tennessee River Railway would improve grade crossings near Sloss Furnaces and the 35th Street overhead bridge.
Ensley 19th Street improvement grant
A $2.7 million ALDOT grant would fund paving, sidewalks, curbs, gutters and storm drainage on 19th Street in Ensley from Ensley Avenue to Bush Boulevard.
I-59 lighting rehabilitation grants
Two grant resolutions would fund relighting I-59 from 66th Street North to the I-459 interchange — a safety upgrade for one of the city's busiest corridors.
Northside Spark right-of-way improvements
A $240,394 grant will pay for traffic calming, gateways, and sidewalk repairs in Norwood, Druid Hills, and Fountain Heights to offset I-20/59 bridge project impacts.
Montclair Road at Ramsey Park drainage improvements
A $221,292.50 contract with Southeastern Sealcoating should fix drainage problems near Ramsey Park along Montclair Road.
Woodlawn–Trussville railroad crossing closures (REDESIGN Alabama / CRISI)
Blocked railroad crossings between Woodlawn and Trussville have frustrated drivers for years. Under the ratified agreement, at-grade crossings will be closed and alternative routes built, funded largely by an $8 million federal grant with Norfolk Southern paying $1.5 million and each city $250,000.
Grants Mill Road bridge emergency repair
An emergency contract will immediately fix the Grants Mill Road bridge over the lake for about $194,000.
Citywide sidewalk repair program
A $720,842 contract will fund sidewalk repairs across Birmingham in 2026.
$10M pedestrian-safety signal grant application
The city will chase a $10 million federal grant to modernize traffic signals in the most walkable parts of town with accessible push buttons, better pedestrian signals, and high-visibility crosswalks. The city's share would be 20% if awarded.
Pratt Highway bridge right-of-way acquisitions
The city is using eminent domain to secure land it needs to replace the Pratt Highway bridge in Pratt City. Affected property owners at 637 Pratt Highway and 505 Morgan Street will receive condemnation proceedings.
Elton B. Stephens Expressway ramp study
The Regional Planning Commission will study possible changes to the EBS Expressway ramp, with the city paying about $15,000 of a $75,000 study.
Bush Boulevard Lighting Under I-20/AL-120
The city is spending up to $200,000 to install and maintain lighting on Bush Boulevard inside the state highway right-of-way under the I-20/AL-120 overpass. It's a safety upgrade for a dark corridor, done in partnership with ALDOT.
Rights-of-way mowing contract
The city hired JetMan Supply for a year of as-needed mowing along public rights of way — the routine maintenance that keeps grassy strips along roads from becoming eyesores.
Rebuild Alabama grant to repave Lakeshore Parkway
The council considered applying for up to $350,000 in state ALDOT money to repave Lakeshore Parkway from West Oxmoor Road to Industrial Drive, with the city chipping in a $100,000 match.