Highway work could relocate 30 families

The Alabama Department of Transportation may renovate a portion of a major state highway, a proposal that could result in the relocation of 30 local families.

The department sent 200 letters out to area families notifying them of potential work on Alabama Highway 160, reported the North Jefferson News. A portion of the highway has seen a large number of car wrecks over the years, many of which have led to fatalities. At the behest of a local advocacy group, Highway 160 Promise, the department could buy out dozens of homes in the area and relocate those residents in order to make the highway safer. Some local residents said they would be willing to move if it meant a safer Highway 160.

"I'm for the highway," resident Jo Young told the paper. "Something's got to be done. There's too much traffic ... There have been fatalities right here at this intersection. There have been more wrecks than I can count."

If construction plans proceed, ALDOT official Sandra Bonner told the paper that local residents would receive compensation for the appraised value of their home, as well as additional funds to assist with their relocation.

In most communities around the country, local governments are required to provide financial assistance to help residents who are moving because of infrastructure developments. Renters in San Jacinto, California, received compensation from the county after they were forced into moving because of re-zoning, reported the Press-Enterprise.
 

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