Haley Ansley, Author at ALDOT News Hub

Jul 26

Taming the wild side: managing roadside vegetation

This is a picture of a tractor spraying a field of tall grass. The tractor appears to be equipped with a large tank and sprayer, likely applying herbicide or pesticide to the vegetation.

Maintaining Alabama’s expansive road network demands a skilled team. Agronomists are essential in managing roadside vegetation. Leading this effort is Jacob Hodnett, the state’s senior agronomist with the Alabama Department of Transportation. Overseeing operations, Steven Drake directs the West Central Region, while Billy Aaron heads the Southeast for ALDOT.

Balancing Beauty and Safety

A typical…

Jul 12

ALDOT UAS team takes flight at Crenshaw County STEM Camp

students and teachers standing at a table with drones

The Alabama Department of Transportation’s (ALDOT) Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) team took flight at the Crenshaw County schools STEM Camp this summer. Their mission? To spark a passion for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) education by showcasing the real-world applications of UAS.

The team brought a variety of drones to showcase at the camp….

Jul 08

ALDOT releases annual report highlighting achievements

Cover of document called the annual report on ALDOT website

The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) recently released its 2023 annual report. This report outlines the department’s accomplishments and operations over fiscal year 2023, which ran from Oct. 1, 2022 through Sept. 30, 2023.

Looking back on successes

March 12, 2023, marked the fourth anniversary of the passage of the Rebuild Alabama Act. Rebuild Alabama…

Jun 28

Work underway to open first phase of Birmingham Northern Beltline

Governor Kay Ivey behind a podium giving a speech.

The contractor for the Alabama Department of Transportation has begun work to complete the first section of the Birmingham Northern Beltline. This initial phase of construction will be a four-lane highway connecting State Route 79 and State Route 75 in Jefferson County.

In May, the bid to construct this project was awarded to the lowest…

May 14

Sold! Auction continues to return money back to state funds

In the current economy, spending money on passenger fleets and heavy equipment can make a large dent in transportation budgets. The Alabama Department of Transportation found a way to turn that challenge into an opportunity to recoup money and increase efficiency.

In 1980, state legislation was passed allowing ALDOT to establish a revolving fund…

May 07

ALGO Kiosk keeps travelers aware of traffic conditions

people standing in a rest area lobby under a tv displaying ALGO Traffic information

Did you know that the opening of the Lanett Welcome Center in January 2022, was also the launch of ALGO Kiosks in Alabama welcome centers and rest areas. This was developed as an additional component of ALGO Traffic to provide traveler information to the public visiting ALDOT maintained facilities. The ALGO Kiosk displays current travel…

Apr 16

ALDOT offers tips for traveling safely through work zones

National Work Zone Safety Week is April 15 through 19, but drivers should drive safely in work zones year round.

Every driver encounters them: those orange cone-filled stretches of road that seem like a recipe for frustration. But work zones are more than just a traffic nuisance – they’re areas where people are hard at work to improve our roadways.

National Work Zone Awareness Week is April 15 through 19, but drivers should drive safely…

Mar 27

ALDOT continues Benjamin Fitzpatrick bridge work

The Alabama Department of Transportation painting and rehabilitation project on the Benjamin Fitzpatrick Bridge in Tallassee will have periodic lane closures starting Thursday, March 28, 2024, through the month of April 2024.

During this time, the contractor will clean up the paint overspray from the sidewalks along the bridge. The permanent striping will be…

Mar 12

ATIB helps fund local transportation projects

Bullock County Commissioners stand in a line in front of a sign saying Rebuild with the state of Alabama on it

The Alabama Transportation Infrastructure Bank (ATIB) is an ALDOT program that provides government units with low-interest loans to help fund transportation projects within the state. The goal is to leverage state and federal funds, accelerate priority transportation projects, spur economic development, and assist local governments with their transportation needs.

The ATIB provides a low-cost means…

Feb 29

Alabama’s artistic Little River Canyon Bridge designed to fit the natural terrain

Nestled in the Little River Canyon National Preserve, the Little River Canyon bridge on SR-35 connects Cherokee and Dekalb counties. When this bridge opened in August of 2010, it was the first of its kind in the state. The intent was to integrate the bridge design into the natural terrain of the surrounding preserve.

With…