Progress is being made on a project to deliver pedestrian safety upgrades along SR-21 in the heart of Jacksonville State University’s campus as students return to class this week.
A new, wider sidewalk between Brewer Hall and Nisbet Street NW opened on Wednesday. Students were able to use it in time for the first day of class.
The current project also includes pedestrian barrier islands, asphalt milling and resurfacing, and traffic control markings. Additional upgrades include signing, striping, ADA curb ramps, and detectable warning surfaces.
The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) approved an $800,000 Transportation Alternative Program (TAP) grant, with the University providing $200,000 in matching funds for the $1,066,769.95 project. Vulcan Materials Asphalt and Construction, LLC is carrying out the work this summer. Three Notch Group, Inc. is performing the construction engineering and inspection. Crews should complete the project later this year.
“Jax State is thankful for the collaboration between the University, the City of Jacksonville and the Alabama Department of Transportation to enhance safety for motorists and pedestrians,” JSU Police Chief Michael Barton said. “With the ongoing construction that is transforming the campus and improving safety, all members of the campus community are encouraged to practice the utmost awareness and safety as they traverse the ‘Friendliest Campus in the South!’”
Downtown Jacksonville
ALDOT is making a significant investment in another project to create pedestrian safety enhancements on nearby SR-204.
The upgrades will add a center turn lane on Nisbet Street NW (SR-204) and a new sidewalk to complete pedestrian flow from Nisbet Lake Road all the way to SR-21. They will also include a new traffic signal at the intersection of Nisbet Lake Road and Nisbet Street NW.
Separate crosswalk improvements are also planned for Jacksonville City Square. Crews expect to begin work on both of these projects by Spring 2026.
“ALDOT is extremely proud of its part in making these improvements in and around Jacksonville State University, and we look forward to collaborating with these local shareholders to ensure these and other projects continue to address safety for JSU students and the surrounding community,” East Central Region Engineer DeJarvis Leonard said.
This work is the culmination of an ongoing partnership between ALDOT, Jacksonville State University, and the City of Jacksonville. The goal is to provide safer pedestrian movements and handle growing traffic volumes efficiently.
