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The Andalusia City Council is hoping the third time will be a charm in applying for a grant aimed at bringing big changes to East Three Notch Street.

The project would involve resurfacing and striping E. Three Notch to reduce traffic flow from four lanes to two lanes with a single turn lane in the center. A biking lane would be added on both sides of the street with a goal of providing additional space and safety for pedestrians utilizing adjacent sidewalks.

If awarded the grant, the Alabama Department of Transportation would perform the work from the intersection of Three Notch and MLK Parkway down to Stanley Avenue. The city would be responsible for carrying the work from that point to the downtown square.

Cost for the project is currently estimated at about $575,000 for the state’s portion of the street while the city’s portion could be as high as $745,000, depending on the base layer of the street.

CDG Engineering has worked with the city on developing the project plans.

The city previously applied for the grant in 2020 and 2021.

“I think this is something we need to do,” said Mayor Earl Johnson. “It will make our city safer, not only for vehicles, but for pedestrians and everyone else on that street. I’ve seen people routinely drive in excess of 65 miles per hour. There’s something about a four-lane street that makes people think it is an interstate. The experts show this is a safer way of handling traffic within a downtown area. We want to make our downtown more pedestrian-friendly and the best way to do that is to slow people down.”

The council voted unanimously to apply for the grant.

Other items discussed by the council included:

• approving a contract with ALDOT for the purchase of a vehicle for the Adult Activity Center at a cost of $16,835. The vehicle is used by the center for transporting senior citizens.
• approving an off-premise retail beer license for Cynergy 4, located at 493 W. Bypass.
• approving a retail liquor license for a new Mexican restaurant, Montezuma, opening soon at 1309 MLK Jr. Pkwy.
• approving the appointment of John Thompson to the Southeast Regional Mental Health Board.

The next city council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 6, at city hall. A work session begins at 5:30 p.m. with the regular session starting at 6 p.m.