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.
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.
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.
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.
Citywide sidewalk repair program
A $720,842 contract will fund sidewalk repairs across Birmingham in 2026.
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.
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.