Birmingham, Trussville Select Designer for Nine-Crossing Rail Project

Birmingham, Trussville and Norfolk Southern selected engineering firm Kimley-Horn to lead design and environmental reviews for R.E.D.E.S.I.G.N. Alabama, a project to reduce train-related delays and improve safety between Woodlawn and Trussville. Plans include closing nine at-grade rail crossings, building vehicle and pedestrian underpasses and a bridge, extending 5th Avenue South, and adding two miles of siding track into Norfolk Southern’s Norris Yard so trains can pass without blocking roads. The project is backed by an $8 million federal grant and $1.5 million from Norfolk Southern, with the cities contributing additional funds. Design work is expected to take about two years; construction is not underway, and partners will need to secure further funding before it can begin.