The lane reduction on U.S. 84 has created a split at city hall over transparency and the process.
In March, the Alabama Department of Transportation and Dothan city government worked together to narrow U.S. 84 at the courthouse. The road was cut from four lanes to three lanes in an effort to slow traffic, improve safety and make downtown more pedestrian friendly.
“What we’re hoping to achieve is to improve safety,” said Tommy Wright, Dothan’s director of public works. Wright said the hope is to cut down on 18-wheelers traveling through downtown, a shorter route from one side of Dothan to the other.
“I believe a lot of our commissioners are kind of upset with the way this process has gone,” said Dothan City Commissioner Dave Stock. “We don’t feel like it’s been transparent. There’s been a lot of backdoor communication. ” Stock said the city manager promised all the commissioners they would have the final vote on whether to keep the road diet.
He said that was the premise for starting the test.
“There are four commissioners who are on the record via email that said that they do not support the road diet continuing. Yet, somehow, it is still continuing,” Stock said.
“Ultimately, it’s still a state route. It’s their decision,” Wright said.
“What we really are looking at doing is still making recommendations to the city manager ― at the end of it, ALDOT is in charge of that road,” Saliba said. Stock said his concerns go beyond the road itself and extend to city hall transparency.
“We’ve actually asked the city manager for any emails or correspondence between the city of Dothan and ALDOT, and apparently, there’s no emails, so I’m kind of concerned, where is the transparency if there are no emails? ” Stock asked. Stock said he requested copies of correspondence and on Tuesday afternoon received a large file of emails that he is reviewing. An ALDOT spokesperson said the state government worked diligently with the city to implement the road diet.
“You do have some commissioners who are willing to stand up, even with all the threats and all the challenges we’re facing,” Stock said. ALDOT said it will reconsider as it continues to assemble data from the intersection. There was talk of a special commission meeting on Friday, but nothing is confirmed. Stock said he met late Tuesday afternoon with the mayor, city manager and others and believes ALDOT will be asked to return Main Street to four lanes.
ALDOT has not responded. Download the WTVY News4 app to get alerts and stories the moment they are published. Available for FREE in theDothan United hosts Fort Rucker in final tune-up days before season opener
Houston County Road Diet ALDOT Dothan Partnership ALDOT Projects In Houston County Dothan Road Diet Results Dothan Road Diet Stats Dothan Road Diet Reactions Dothan Road Diet Managers Officials React To Dothan Road Diet Dave Stock Alabama Department Of Transportation Tommy Wright Mayor Mark Saliba
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