Mostly Cloudy / 82° F
Four-laning 55 better than building bypass
Published 11:42am Wednesday, December 5, 2012
I became interested when I read your article concerning the DOT axing the Florala Bypass project. Covington County residents and government representatives should remember that the four-laning of Alabama Hwy. 55 was first conceived by and lobbied for by the late Jimmy Taylor of Andalusia who had an apparent vision of Alabama Hwy. 55′s four-laning from Georgiana to I-10 near Crestview, Fla. Were that project continued and completed, I believe the tremendous traffic flow on 55 would bring a wealth of revenue to our county and its communities. I know we have talented engineers in our community who could devise a worthy and winnable plan for such a project which our leaders could then present to the governor and DOT and others for serious consideration for completion.
Even if it were a toll road, the benefits for us would be tremendous. Connecting I-65 and I-10 through our county would open so many avenues for commerce and industry in our county. I urge all those with influence to consider getting behind such a project as this—and soon, since I believe opportunity has just knocked!
God bless all.
Mike Purnell
Red Level
