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City of Montgomery unveils $3 million transit infrastructure upgrades

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  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Sunday, October 26th 2025 at 16:42 GMT by WSFA
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Montgomery Unveils $3 Million Transit Infrastructure Overhaul

The City of Montgomery announced a comprehensive $3 million investment in transit infrastructure on Tuesday, a move that aims to improve traffic flow, enhance safety, and support the city’s growing public transportation system. The overhaul, scheduled to begin next month, will focus on upgrading bus routes, installing advanced traffic signal technology, and expanding pedestrian and bicycle pathways across several key corridors.

A Strategic Plan for Mobility

City Commissioner James “Jimmy” Lee, who presented the proposal at the city hall’s open‑air meeting, emphasized that the upgrades are part of a long‑term mobility strategy designed to keep pace with Montgomery’s projected population growth of 4.5 % over the next decade. “We’re not just fixing potholes; we’re creating a more efficient, safer network that serves residents, businesses, and visitors alike,” Lee said. He added that the initiative aligns with the city’s recently adopted “Move Montgomery” plan, a 10‑year vision for integrated transportation.

The $3 million budget is split into three primary components:

• Signal and Intersection Improvements ($1.8 million): Upgrades to the city’s 23 signalized intersections, including the installation of adaptive signal control technology (ASCT) that adjusts green light timing in real time to reduce congestion. New LED signal lights and pedestrian countdown timers will be added to all major crosswalks.
• Busway Enhancements ($800 k): Expansion of the existing dedicated bus lane along I‑65, additional bus shelters with real‑time arrival displays, and new signage to guide motorists toward the bus lane. The city will also upgrade the downtown transit hub with an underground parking structure to reduce surface congestion.
• Pedestrian and Bicycle Infrastructure ($400 k): Construction of protected bike lanes on 12 city streets, new pedestrian bridges over the river corridor, and a network of bike racks and charging stations at key public spaces. A pilot program to test “bike‑to‑school” routes for middle‑school students is also included.

Community Impact and Support

The initiative has received broad support from local businesses, schools, and community organizations. Montgomery Chamber of Commerce President Diane Harper expressed enthusiasm, noting that the upgraded infrastructure would likely attract new retail and hospitality ventures to the downtown area. “A city that prioritizes safe, reliable transit is a city that thrives,” Harper said. She also highlighted how the new pedestrian bridges will create safer routes for students traveling to and from schools.

The City’s Department of Transportation’s chief engineer, Maria Sanchez, noted that the adaptive signal system will reduce travel time by an estimated 15 % during peak hours, according to traffic simulation models. “These upgrades will also lower emissions by encouraging more people to use public transit and cycling instead of driving,” Sanchez added. A recent study by the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) indicated that the city’s current congestion levels are higher than 80 % of similarly sized municipalities.

Funding Sources

The majority of the funding will come from a mix of federal and state transportation grants, supplemented by a 2 % increase in the city’s annual traffic improvement budget. In particular, the Federal Highway Administration’s “Urban Connectivity Program” has earmarked $1.5 million for Montgomery, while ALDOT will contribute $1 million under the state’s “Active Transportation Initiative.” The remaining $500 k will be covered by the city’s own “Transit Improvement Fund,” created in 2023 to support infrastructure projects that enhance public transportation.

City Finance Director Karen Collins explained that the city’s projected $250 million budget for the next fiscal year will allow for a 6 % increase in infrastructure spending. “We’re making sure that these investments are sustainable and that we’re maximizing the returns on our public funds,” Collins said. “The federal and state grants cover the majority of the costs, which helps keep the burden on taxpayers low.”

Timeline and Phasing

Construction is slated to begin on November 1st, with the first phase—signal upgrades—expected to be completed by early December. Bus lane expansions and the downtown transit hub improvements will follow in late winter, while the pedestrian and bicycle projects are scheduled for the spring. The entire project is expected to be completed by July 2026, with a full evaluation and performance audit conducted at the project’s conclusion.

The city will employ a “community‑centric” approach, holding monthly public forums to gather feedback and adjust plans as needed. A dedicated project website, www.montgomerytransitupgrade.com, will provide real‑time updates, construction schedules, and a digital feedback portal.

The Bigger Picture

Montgomery’s transit overhaul is part of a larger narrative of urban revitalization that has been underway for the past five years. The city’s downtown revitalization plan, which focuses on mixed‑use development and increased walkability, dovetails with the transit upgrades to create a more livable, accessible urban environment. Local universities, particularly the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH), have expressed interest in collaborating on transit-oriented development projects to attract tech startups and research facilities.

A recent survey by the Montgomery Community Action Center found that 62 % of residents feel the city’s transportation system is inadequate for their needs. The new investment is expected to address many of these concerns, particularly the limited bus routes and the lack of safe bicycle infrastructure. By prioritizing multimodal transport options, the city aims to reduce traffic congestion, lower carbon emissions, and improve overall quality of life for Montgomery’s residents.

Looking Forward

With the $3 million transit infrastructure investment announced, Montgomery is taking a decisive step toward a more connected, efficient, and sustainable transportation network. City officials remain optimistic that the upgrades will not only meet current mobility demands but also create a foundation for future growth and innovation. Residents, businesses, and community groups will have the opportunity to shape the city’s transportation future through active participation in public forums and the ongoing digital feedback platform.

As the city moves forward, Montgomery’s experience could serve as a model for similar mid‑size cities across the South, illustrating how strategic investment in transit infrastructure can drive economic development, improve public health, and foster a more resilient urban environment.