DOTHAN, Ala. — Dothan city leaders are taking a look at a new project in the southwest part of the city.
The idea is to bring more people to one area to spur more economic growth.
It is estimated that the construction on Honeysuckle Road could cost up to $30 million and be broken down into two phases.
“Basically, we have been working for some time to make improvements to Honeysuckle Road from 84 down to Fortner Street,” said Charles Metzger, Public Works Director for the City of Dothan. “That’s kind of phase one where we are taking it out from a three-lane out to a five-lane section in there. That design is close to 90 percent complete.”
The city is hoping to move forward with the purchasing of the right-of-way soon.
“The other section is from AL-52 down to Taylor and Campbellton Road intersection,” Metzger said. “We are trying right now to try to work through whether it’s going to be looking like a two-lane section through that area, or are we looking at a boulevard section which would be wider with a grass median?”
During the city commission work session, Mayor Mark Saliba said he wants to do this project right since they don’t build many roads and would prefer the wider boulevard, but the commission is aware that property owners in the area may have their own feelings about the project.
“I think it’ll be mixed feelings,” Metzger explained. “Obviously, some people will see the aesthetics of it and the long-term controlled growth we could have along there. With a boulevard, it can act as more of a local bypass.”
Construction will start at Honeysuckle just past Hartford Highway going towards the south side of town. It will lead across South Park Avenue and end at the intersection of Taylor and Campbellton.
The second phase is going to have to be approved by another public hearing as plans and designs have changed.
