Bham Xpress transit station construction near UAB and Railroad Park begins Feb. 4th

Prepare for potential traffic delays over the next five months along 5th Avenue South and 18th Street on Birmingham’s Southside to make way for the new transit system. 

On Friday, February 4th, the City of Birmingham will begin construction of the Birmingham Xpress Bus Rapid Transit stops and stations downtown, which could impact traffic flow. 

The affected areas are: 

• 5th Avenue South from 8th Street South to 18th Street — moving west to east on the route — the UAB Intramural Field, Children’s of Alabama and UAB Hospital
• 18th Street from 5th Avenue South to 1st Avenue North — moving northward on the route Home 2 Suites, Railroad Park, Rainbow Tunnel and ending at the Birmingham Intermodal Facility 

Work on this portion of the route will last till June 1st, according to City Hall.

Here is a map of the route.

The good news? This work will be performed without totally shutting down 5th Avenue South or 18th Street. 

One lane will be open at all times.

What is Birmingham Xpress?

Birmingham Xpress is a game-changer. Think light-rail transit on rubber tires.

As Bham Now reported back in September 2021, the City of Birmingham in partnership with the Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority (BJCTA) is acquiring 11 express buses that will run quickly from Woodlawn to Five Points West. The route connects 25 neighborhoods to opportunities and vital services along a 10-mile corridor.

To make this project a reality, Birmingham received a $40M federal grant to fund the project. The city came up with the match which will include not only the buses, but also 32 bus shelters and two bus hubs.

The project is expected to be completed in 2022. 

Stay tuned for updates on its progress.