This major road project will transform your commute between Homewood and Mountain Brook

Birmingham Real-Time NewsThe city of Homewood is embarking on a multi-phase road improvement project. Sidewalk construction on Hollywood Boulevard began on Monday, Aug. 3.Alaina BookmanBy Alaina Bookman | abookman@al.comA major, multi-phase road improvement project is underway in the cities of Homewood and Mountain Brook. Construction on Hollywood Boulevard began on Monday, Aug. 3, as part of the project’s first phase of laying new sidewalks in Mountain Brook and along Hollywood Boulevard from Malaga Avenue up to the bridge.The project’s second phase, which has been in the works for more than a decade, will focus on traffic easing improvements and building a long awaited pedestrian bridge on the Hollywood Boulevard overpass above U.S. 280. “This effort has been discussed for more than fourteen years, bringing together Homewood, Mountain Brook, Birmingham and Jefferson County,” the city of Homewood said in a statement.“It is a great example of regional cooperation, recognizing that road users do not see city limits when they drive or walk.”Because the overpass is not in Mountain Brook or Homewood, neither entity could use city funds for the project.City leadership said they had to look for creative and collaborative funding solutions. The sidewalk phase was funded through federal, state and county support as well as municipal cooperation and contributions from community groups and local organizations, according to the city of Homewood. While a lot of the work for the first phase is scheduled to take place at night, drivers should expect periodic lane closures during construction. The second phase of the project will include:Widening the bridgeAdding a third vehicle laneInstalling a new traffic light at the exit ramp off U.S. 280Adding a new turn lane onto the existing on ramp to U.S. 280 EastCreating a protected pedestrian facility behind a concrete barrier wallThe second phase is expected to go out for bid in 2027 with about 12 months of construction.Leaders from Mountain Brook, Homewood, Birmingham and Jefferson County as well as state and federal officials have worked toward creating the pedestrian bridge for more than 14 years. Nearly 20,000 cars cross the 66-year-old bridge every day, according to the city of Homewood, yet walkers, runners and cyclists still cannot safely travel between the neighboring cities.Now, pedestrians can expect to have easier access to local shops and restaurants in the two cities.Funding for the pedestrian access on the Hollywood Boulevard overpass includes a $4 million federal appropriation secured through Senator Katie Britt’s office.And the bridge widening phase will combine federal transportation dollars with a county match. City leaders said the project will improve walkability, connectivity, traffic flow and pedestrian safety once completed. Alaina Bookman is a reporter covering Birmingham metro area news. She joined AL.com in 2023 as a Report for America corps member and violence prevention reporter covering efforts to improve safety and well...