Vestavia Hills Council to Vote on $0 Ramp Project

The Vestavia Hills City Council will vote on Monday to approve a new elevated pedestrian ramp.

The proposed structure will connect U.S. 31 to the Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest. City Manager Jeff Downes noted in a memo to the council that the city’s Engineering Department has finished the design for the ramp. The project will be located slightly north of the existing pedestrian bridge over U.S. 31.

Downes confirmed that the Alabama Department of Transportation has granted approval for the city to build and maintain the structure. The ramp will sit within the state’s right of way and will serve as a handicapped-accessible path. According to Downes, the new addition will create a complete accessible pedestrian connection between Wald Park and the library.

The council will also address a separate agreement with Jefferson County during the same session. This deal would allow Jefferson County to activate a contract with the Alabama County Commissions Association to remove debris from Vestavia Hills. The provision applies specifically if a significant disaster occurs.

Downes explained that the agreement becomes active if a federal disaster is declared and the county’s debris removal resources are stretched thin. He stated that a large percentage of the debris removal costs would be reimbursable by the Federal Emergency Management Agency under such circumstances.

The meeting is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on Monday at Vestavia Hills City Hall.