Renovation of a playground / park / athletic field in Pelham, Alabama. Completed plans call for the renovation of a playground / park / athletic field.

ttps://www.shelbycountyreporter.com/news/pelham-builds-for-the-future-through-wave-of-capital-improvements-b546e55d/ PELHAM – From new sports facilities and trail connections to roadway improvements and utility upgrades, Pelham is moving forward with a wide-ranging series of capital projects city leaders say are the result of years of planning aimed at improving quality of life and preparing the city for future growth. Across the city, construction crews, engineers and contractors are working on projects designed to improve transportation, recreation, connectivity, safety and community appearance. Together, the investments represent one of the most active periods of infrastructure development in recent years. “What you’re seeing is really the result of years of planning and prioritization,” city officials said in a joint response provided by Acting Communications Manager Gina Womack, City Manager Gretchen DiFante and Assistant City Manager Justin Smith. Officials said Pelham’s long-term capital improvement strategy is guided by resident feedback gathered through the city’s Citizen Satisfaction Survey, along with recommendations from the city’s Comprehensive Plan and ongoing facility assessments. “Our residents consistently tell us that maintaining infrastructure, improving traffic flow, enhancing recreation opportunities and preserving quality of life are important priorities,” officials said. “The projects currently underway reflect those goals.” Among the most visible projects currently underway is the ongoing transformation of Pelham City Park’s youth sports complex. Phase I of the project includes a new entrance, four batting cages, restrooms, a concession area and a central plaza. Construction is expected to be completed in August. A second phase, scheduled to go out for bid this summer, will convert Field 1 into a multi-field configuration featuring a turf playing surface, new fencing and updated dugouts. Additional fencing and dugout improvements are also planned for Fields 2, 3 and 4. City leaders said recreation investments serve both residents and the local economy. “For local families, these projects create more opportunities to be active, connected and engaged in the community,” officials said. “We view recreation investments as both a quality-of-life enhancement for residents and an economic development tool that benefits the entire community.” The city is also continuing to expand recreational connectivity through the Pelham Greenway Trail system. Right-of-way acquisition is underway for Phase III, the final remaining segment of the five-phase trail network. Once completed, the final section will connect Pelham City Park to Park 124. The city recently completed Phase IV, linking Park 124 to the Pelham Civic Complex and Ice Arena, while a separate lighting project is currently underway along portions of the trail between Park 124 and the civic complex. Officials said walkability and outdoor recreation remain central to Pelham’s long-term planning efforts. “Projects like the Pelham Greenway Trail are helping us build stronger connections between destinations across the city while encouraging healthy lifestyles and providing additional recreational opportunities,” officials said. Transportation improvements also represent a significant portion of Pelham’s current capital program. Perhaps the most ambitious project is the County Road 52 Railroad Crossing Elimination Project, a long-discussed regional transportation initiative that will eliminate two heavily traveled railroad crossings through the construction of a bridge over the tracks and roadway realignment. The project recently reached another milestone as the Pelham City Council approved agreements related to engineering review, surveying and design work. Federal funding has been obligated, allowing planning efforts to move forward. Officials described the project as one of the region’s most significant transportation investments. “County Road 52 is a major corridor connecting Pelham, Helena and Interstate 65,” officials said. “By eliminating those at-grade crossings and constructing a flyover, we’re improving traffic flow, increasing safety and creating a more reliable transportation corridor for residents, businesses, commuters and emergency services throughout the region.” Additional transportation projects include continued design work and utility relocation for the Highway 261 widening project, as well as plans for a new traffic signal at the intersection of Grey Oaks Parkway and Highway 11. The signal project follows a traffic study that identified a need for traffic control at the intersection due to increased traffic volumes associated with residential growth in the area. Residents have long cited concerns about congestion and difficulties entering and exiting the neighborhood during peak travel periods. Meanwhile, motorists along Highway 31 are already beginning to see changes as part of the city’s $7 million lighting improvement project. The project will install 224 decorative LED light poles between Word Drive and Highway 119. In addition to improving visibility and public safety, the new poles will replace older infrastructure, support underground utility improvements and provide features for seasonal decorations and community events. The first poles were installed in early May, and city officials expect the project to be completed later this year. Road maintenance also remains a major focus. Pelham’s annual paving program is scheduled to begin this summer and includes 15 streets throughout the city. Officials recently unveiled a long-range resurfacing plan extending through 2032. According to city leaders, roadway condition ratings, traffic volumes, utility projects and resident feedback all play a role in determining paving priorities. “In the 2024 Citizen Satisfaction Survey, street resurfacing was identified as one of the community’s top priorities,” officials said. “By combining technical assessments with resident input, we’re able to direct resources where they’ll have the greatest impact and extend the life of our transportation infrastructure.” City officials noted that Pelham currently maintains nearly 600,000 feet of roadway and has identified approximately 187,000 feet of streets for resurfacing through 2032. Beyond transportation and recreation, Pelham is also investing in utility infrastructure designed to improve reliability and long-term service. The City Council recently approved plans to assume ownership and maintenance of two sewer lift stations serving the Holland Lakes subdivision after upgrades are completed to bring the facilities up to city standards. The city has also authorized survey work for the Indian Crest Waterline Extension and Backup Project, which will provide a secondary water supply route should the area’s primary system become unavailable. Additional improvements are aimed at enhancing community appearance and public spaces. The city recently acquired and cleared the former Metro PCS property near the city limits, creating an opportunity for new landscaping and green space improvements designed to establish a more attractive entrance into Pelham. Officials said all of the projects share a common goal: building a city that remains connected, accessible and prepared for future growth. “Our vision is to create a community that is connected, accessible and prepared for the future,” officials said. “Whether it’s widening a roadway, extending a trail, upgrading sports facilities or improving public spaces, we’re looking at how those investments work together to support residents and strengthen Pelham for the next generation.” As construction continues across multiple fronts, city leaders say the projects represent more than individual improvements. Together, they reflect a long-term strategy designed to improve daily life while positioning Pelham for continued growth in the years ahead. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sealed bids are invited for Pelham Sports Park Renovations: Phase II to be submitted at the Pelham Development Services and Public Works Conference Room. Plans and proposals can be inspected at the City of Pelham Department of Development Services and Public Works. Bid documents are available to prospective bidders via Alabama Graphics Digital Planroom, with digital and printed copies for purchase directly from Alabama Graphics. The project includes open bid opportunities and provides instructions on where and how to access bid documents and submit proposals.