A long-planned infrastructure project to widen the Hollywood Boulevard bridge and construct new sidewalks connecting Homewood, Mountain Brook, and Birmingham is moving toward construction, marking a significant regional effort to improve transportation access and pedestrian safety along the Highway 280 corridor.

Originally built in 1960 as a two-lane structure with no protected pedestrian access, the bridge carries nearly 20,000 vehicles per day and serves as a key link between the three municipalities.

Local officials said the current design has created safety risks for pedestrians who regularly cross the bridge despite the lack of dedicated facilities.

“This is a relatively small but very complicated project, running through three municipalities over a state highway,” Homewood Mayor Jennifer Andress said during a Jefferson County press conference.

Jefferson County Director of Roads and Transportation Chris Nicholson said the bridge’s traffic volume and limited capacity highlight the need for improvements.

“There’s about 20,000 cars that cross Hollywood Bridge… in what is now a two-lane section,” Nicholson said.

Mountain Brook Mayor Graham Smith noted the bridge’s unsafe conditions for pedestrians.

“If you wanted to walk across it, you did it at your own peril,” Smith said.

The project will widen the bridge to add an additional vehicle lane and create a protected pedestrian facility separated from traffic by a barrier wall.

Additional improvements include sidewalks on both sides of the bridge connecting Homewood, Mountain Brook, and Birmingham, along with a new traffic signal at the Highway 280 exit ramp and a turn lane to improve traffic flow.

“We’re going to widen the bridge, create a pedestrian facility, a safe facility behind a barrier wall,” Nicholson said.

Officials said the improvements will provide a safer crossing and enhance mobility between the communities.

The project will be completed in phases, beginning with sidewalk construction along Hollywood Boulevard and in Mountain Brook connecting Malaga Avenue to the bridge. Construction is expected to begin this summer and take approximately eight months.

The bridge widening portion is expected to go out for bid around 2027 and will take approximately 12 months to complete once construction begins.

Temporary lane shifts and closures may occur during construction, but officials said work will be coordinated to minimize disruptions.

Jefferson County officials estimate the bridge widening portion will cost approximately $4 million, with pedestrian sidewalk improvements costing an additional $1 million to $1.5 million.

Funding comes from a combination of federal transportation appropriations, county funding, municipal cooperation, and private contributions from community organizations.

Nicholson said federal transportation appropriations secured by U.S. Sen. Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) are supporting regional infrastructure improvements connected to the Highway 280 corridor.

“Senator Britt’s appropriations transportation funds… about $4 million… confirmation that those funds will be transferred,” Nicholson said.

The City of Homewood has no financial obligation for the project.

The project has been in development for more than 14 years and involves coordination among Homewood, Mountain Brook, Birmingham, Jefferson County, federal officials, and the Alabama Department of Transportation.

Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin said the project demonstrates the benefits of cooperation between local governments.

“This infrastructure project… is an example of what we do when we work together,” Woodfin said.

Jefferson County Commissioner Mike Bowen said the improvements will strengthen infrastructure and improve quality of life for residents.

“Projects like this strengthen our transportation network… while improving the everyday experience for people who live and work here,” Bowen said.

Once completed, the widened bridge and pedestrian facilities will provide a protected crossing across Highway 280 and improve transportation access between Homewood, Mountain Brook, and Birmingham, enhancing safety and connectivity across Jefferson County.

Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].