ENTERPRISE, Ala. (WDNews) — The City of Enterprise is moving forward with a major sidewalk project along Bellwood Road and George C. Wallace Drive as the area continues to see residential, commercial and recreational growth.
According to the city, the Bellwood Road Sidewalk Improvements project will add approximately 5,000 linear feet of new, 5-foot-wide sidewalk along Bellwood Road from the U.S. Highway 84 Bypass to Geneva Highway, or Alabama Highway 27.
Another approximately 520 feet of sidewalk will be added along the south side of George C. Wallace Drive. The project will also include ADA-compliant curb ramps at roadway and driveway intersections.
Construction is expected to begin within the next two weeks, weather permitting. Site preparation is already underway, including silt fencing and temporary no-parking signs along Bellwood Road.
The city said Bellwood Road serves as an important connection between the U.S. Highway 84 Bypass and Geneva Highway and provides access to neighborhoods, businesses, South Industrial Park, Enterprise State Community College and several recreational facilities.
The corridor also provides access to the Enterprise Sports Complex, Enterprise State athletics facilities and city pickleball courts. The sidewalk planned for George C. Wallace Drive will connect with an existing sidewalk at the Enterprise Sports Complex.
“Enterprise is growing, and with that growth comes the responsibility to invest in the infrastructure our community needs,” Mayor William E. Cooper said. “This project will create important pedestrian connections in an area where we have seen significant growth and made substantial investments in parks and recreation. We want our residents to be able to safely access the places where they live, work, learn, play and gather. This is an important investment in the future of Enterprise.”
Drivers are being asked to use extra caution as construction begins. Temporary no-parking signs have been installed along Bellwood Road, and parents and spectators attending practices, games and other activities are asked to use designated parking areas instead of parking along the roadway, including for drop-off and pick-up.
The Enterprise Police Department will have an increased presence in the area as construction and recreational activities continue, according to the city.
“We ask everyone traveling through this area to slow down, stay alert and follow all posted parking and traffic signs,” Cooper said. “With youth sports and other activities taking place nearby, there will be a lot of children and families moving between vehicles and facilities. Please use designated parking areas, give yourself extra time and be especially mindful of pedestrians. We all have a responsibility to help keep our children and families safe.”
The city entered into a construction agreement with Wiregrass Construction Company Inc. on June 9. The project is funded through the Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside Program, through which the city requested $800,000 in funding. The City of Enterprise is responsible for 20% of the project cost.
The Enterprise Street Department will be responsible for ongoing maintenance of the new sidewalk.
The project is part of the city’s broader effort to expand and connect pedestrian facilities throughout Enterprise.
