• Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) personnel provided Community Outreach Group with an overview of the status of project.
o Current 8 mile section grade and drain work to be complete in about 6 weeks
o Current base and pave project from Mississippi state line to Walter Tanner Road more than 75% complete
o Base and pave project from Walter Tanner Road to east of Glenwood to be let in April 2009
o Big Creek Bridge Extension project to be let in May 2009
o No letting date for intersections at this time
o Preliminary engineering for an additional connection to be built at Snow Road, no letting date at this time
o ALDOT reviewing geotechnical and construction methods for 158 connector project; no letting date at this time


• ALDOT working on access for US 98
o Project will not be open to traffic until the entire route is complete, including intersections and the connection to Alabama Highway 158.
o Access to US 98 will require Corps of Engineers involvement for wetlands, Fish & Wildlife involvement for Gopher Tortoise protection and ADEM involvement for stormwater

• ALDOT provided COG members with a presentation of a three-dimensional rendering of the jug handle at Wilmer-Georgetown Road.

• ALDOT discussed unpermitted access and vandalism along project. Vehicles (4-wheel drive and all terrain vehicles) have been accessing the construction area and causing damage to slopes. Concrete barricades have been installed temporarily to stop access, and ALDOT will be adding additional rip-rap to protect slopes and deter use of project for recreation. Enhanced patrolling by State Trooper and Sherriff Department will be requested as contractor’s work is completed. Entering the project area is considered trespassing, unless accompanied by ALDOT personnel. Violators will be prosecuted.

• Web site has been updated with new project photographs.