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BROOK HIGHLAND PLAZA • VESTAVIA CITY CENTER
Construction ahead Plan to improve US 31, Columbiana Road intersection delayed; new target start date in fall
Construction underway at the Pine Ridge site in Sicard Hollow in May. The work to turn a former mine site into developable land is expected to be complete this fall. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
By LOYD MCINTOSH
City eyes options as Sicard Hollow mine reclamation nears completion
espite some delays, a comprehensive plan to improve the intersection of Columbiana Road and U.S. 31 is set to begin later this year. The city of Vestavia Hills collaborated with the Regional Planning Commission of Greater Birmingham for a comprehensive study of the city’s intersections several years ago. As part of that evaluation, crash data for each intersection was closely studied, and the results determined the intersection of U.S. 31 and Columbiana Road had the highest number of crashes. Lori Beth Kearley, the city’s public services director, said that, fortunately, these accidents are minor, mostly sideswipe and rear-ending incidents that typically do not cause injury. In the five years ending January 2024, there were 118 crashes there, 114 of which had no injuries, she said. However, Kearley said the frequency of these accidents has the potential to cause more problems. “It was the number of crashes that really has gotten our attention because when you have an accident, then you have further delays and congestion,” she said, “and, obviously, from a safety standpoint, even if you don't have injuries, there's the potential for them."
D
See US 31/COLUMBIANA | page 22
By SYDNEY CROMWELL
Traffic flows along Columbiana Road near where it connects with U.S. 31. That intersection is slated for improvements. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Take a look at the Sicard Hollow Athletic Complex on a sunny summer day, and you’ll see children playing on soccer fields or the splash pad, pet owners at the dog park and a runner or two on the trails. What you won’t see is the definitive scar that used to mark the area as a former coal mine: the highwall, a sheer cliff face, dozens of feet high, left behind by strip mining. The SHAC and its surrounding recreational areas are built on land that was reclaimed after the coal mine was abandoned. With construction currently underway on the latest phase of reclamation, city leaders are considering how to develop the property once it’s ready. Vestavia Hills first acquired the future SHAC property in 2006 to make space for future athletic and recreation needs, City Manager Jeff Downes said. The site included several highwalls and other safety concerns that had to be addressed before it could be redeveloped.
See SICARD HOLLOW | page 23
INSIDE
Sponsors.............................4 City.......................................6
Schoolhouse.......................8 Business.............................10
Real Estate........................12 Events.................................14
Sports.................................18 facebook.com/vestaviavoice
Celebrate Life
All-South Metro
Transplant Games have special meaning for Vestavia Hills resident Ann Rayburn.
Vestavia Hills players make All-South Metro baseball and softball teams.
See page 14
See pages 18-20
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