HARVEST, Ala. — If you've driven along Highway 53 in Harvest recently, you've probably noticed some construction. That construction is leading to quite a bit of congestion in the area - which, ironically, is the very issue the project will eventually help alleviate.
FOX54 spoke with Jessica Coffee, General Manager of the Domino's near the Harvest Rd. intersection Friday, who she said the recent phase of construction has been going on for about a week now. That means for a week and counting, deliveries have been delayed.
Furthermore, drives that would normally take around fifteen minutes are now taking 30-45 minutes due to traffic. That's a big deal for a company like Domino's. "We're not able to get out to our customers as fast as possible, like we're really supposed to and try to. Once they're done, it will help us a lot. It won't be as much traffic as it is really is coming in the morning time. Or actually leaving during rush time. So it'll be a lot better for our drivers as well," explained Coffee.
According to a Madison County description of the project, there will eventually be northbound and southbound left turn lanes on Highway 53 at the intersections of Harvest Road, McKee Road, and Old Railroad Bed Road.
"Advanced warning signs, increased clear zones, and new traffic signals will supplement the turn lanes," the county adds.
Highway 53 is the main artery connecting north Madison County, Limestone County, Giles County, Tennessee, and Lincoln County, Tennessee with access to the Redstone Arsenal, Cummings Research Park, and many businesses that support the Arsenal.
Heavy delays are currently experienced during the morning and afternoon peak hours at key intersections along Highway 53. The county says this congestion continues to worsen as Madison County experiences unprecedented growth.
"By installing left turn lanes, traffic flow will be improved and the number of rear-end accidents along the corridor can be greatly reduced by allowing vehicles to proceed through intersections without stopping for vehicles waiting to make left turns," the county wrote.
FOX54 spoke with one construction worker Friday who says it could be December before construction is finished. We'll keep you updated on the progress.