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Posted July 29, 2003
 
Residents View Highway 119 Expansion Plans
 
Traffic is a way of life for those living off Highway 119, and Tuesday, homeowners living off Cahaba Valley Road saw the initial plans to widen it.
 
This was the first time for the residents to see any plans for expansion. Three alternate maps were presented. Some residents will lose about 50 feet of land and some will lose all their property, but there wasn't much objection Tuesday.
 
Robert Rolader's home of 16 years sits on an acre of property on Cahaba Valley Road.
 
" Rarely did you ever see a big truck go by here," Rolader said. "But times have changed. People who once lived outside it find themselves in the middle of the hustle and bustle. I've really been anticipating this and looking forward to it."
 
People who drive Highway 119 are faced with congestion several times a day every day. Widening the road will alleviate some of the congestion, but Rolader said what he looks forward to the most is making the turn from his driveway onto 119 in just seconds rather than four or five minutes.
 
Tuesday, the Alabama Department of Transportation held a public forum for residents in the 4.5-mile stretch of Highway 119 that will be widened. The project will reach from Broken Bow to the southern tip of Lake Purdy.
 
Most people interviewed by NBC13 welcome the extra two lanes. But between six and 10 homes will have to be removed, such as the homes on the edge of Woodland subdivision. The residents there might not find the $18 million project as enticing.
 
Those people interested in giving feedback who didn't show up Tuesday can submit written comments for 10 more days. Construction is expected to start in 2005, and if all goes well, 119 will be four lanes by 2007.