This is the sixth in a series highlighting the people and work behind all eight districts that make up ALDOT’s West Central Region.
The Alabama Department of Transportation’s Livingston District works every day to keep west Alabama roads safe and moving.
Covering Sumter County and the southern half of Greene County, the district supports both rural and interstate travel. It is home to the University of West Alabama and the region’s only welcome center.
The district focuses on maintaining safe roads and using taxpayer resources efficiently with its 41 employees.
“Our crews work every day to be good stewards of public funds and to keep the roads as safe as possible with the resources we have,” said District Administrator Chris Bedwell, who has led the Livingston District since 2010.
Bedwell said employees regularly respond to roadway needs at all hours.
“Our employees do not hesitate to leave their families, whether it is day, night or a weekend, to make sure others can reach their destinations safely,” he said.
This fall, the district will begin resurfacing and pipe repair near the welcome center. The project will address recurring drainage problems that have required frequent patching after heavy rain. The welcome center will also feature upgraded lighting.
“Upgrading the lighting at the welcome center will improve safety for the traveling public and those who use the welcome center,” Bedwell said.
The Livingston District also has a reputation for winning skill competitions. Each year, the district sends representatives to regional competitions, known as ROADeos, where they showcase their abilities and compete against other districts within the state.
The Livingston District finished in the top three in every category but one at this year’s Tuscaloosa Area ROADeo.
“Our team represented the district and the state well,” Bedwell said. “We have some of the best operators in Alabama, and they take safety and professionalism seriously.”
