Montgomery city leaders announce overhaul of west corridor

On Thursday, Feb. 8 several leaders of the City of Montgomery announced an extensive project to overhaul the Fairview area in the western corridor. 

The city is partnering with DuBose and with Goodwin, Cayes and Milles for the project, a $9 million endeavor that will take an estimated 18 months to complete. 

"This has been going on for some time," said Mayor Steven Reed in a press conference held by him and city council members Andrew Szymanski and Franetta Riley. "But it took us being able to close it over the last several years to get to this point, and it just shows sometimes unfortunately how slow government can be but we do hear the needs and we do hear responses." 

The overhaul spans the areas from the I-65 interchange to South Court Street. It will reportedly improve traffic flow and will install new sidewalks in addition to landscaping and upgrades to drainage. 

It also hoped to improve accessibility for those walking as well. 

"It's just a need for people to be able to walk to the things that they want to have access to, and not only is this a streets and roads project but this is a pedestrian infrastructure project," said Symanski. "It's going to provide ways for people to safely move throughout this corridor." 

Leaders are also set to announce updates on the new Fairview Avenue Fire Station, Freedom Village Housing complex, and Fairview Farmers Market renovations as part of an effort to revitalize the western portion of the city. 

"This gateway is an important gateway to the city of Montgomery," said Szymanski. "It's one that's traveled by hundreds of thousands of people every year. And over the next 18 months we're going to get to watch as Fairview is truly transformed into a viable commercial corridor, which this area desperately needs."