Jan. 12, 2011 — The city of Fultondale could benefit from construction this month related to the future Interstate 22.
Crews are scheduled to begin work later this month to relocate water mains that are in the path of Corridor X, or Interstate 22, that will eventually connect Birmingham to Memphis.
Work will be done on Ellard Road and U.S. Hwy. 31 north in Fultondale; and other locations in Jefferson County and Birmingham.
Fultondale Mayor Jim Lowery said the project could benefit Fultondale by providing upgrades such as larger pipes.
“Generally speaking, when they do that type of work, they generally upgrade the service,” Lowery said. “That’s what I would expect to happen.”
He said Fultondale is growing, and larger water pipes would help provide a greater volume of water for residents.
Lowery was on the Birmingham Water Works Board (BWWB) for 12 years until recently, and said he was familiar with the project.
“It’s going to enhance our lives,” he said.
According to the BWWB, the Corridor X project conflicts with some water mains belonging to BWWB. The company awarded Global Construction & Engineering Company Inc. a $483,000 bid to install new mains in alternate locations and install new service for affected customers.
The old mains will be disconnected and abandoned in place, according to the BWWB.
Lowery said the BWWB upgraded the water lines on Walker Chapel Road in order to tie in with the Corridor X project.
“It won’t affect us in a negative manner,” Lowery said. “All they do is get the water mains out of the right of way.”
The project is scheduled to start in late January and is expected to take 90 days, according to the BWWB.