Hollywood Blvd construction begins Aug 3; what you need to know

Drivers in Homewood and Mountain Brook may notice new construction during their communte next week.

Starting Monday, August 3, construction will begin on Hollywood Boulevard as part of ongoing roadway improvements in the area, paving the way for new pedestrian access between Homewood and Mountain Brook. Read on to learn more.

Construction beginning on Hollywood Boulevard, August 3

For decades, residents in Mountain Brook and Homewood have asked for improved pedestrian access on the Hollywood Boulevard overpass above U.S. 280. Built in 1960 with two lanes of traffic, the overpass offers zero pedestrian access, making it a hazard for the countless walkers, runners and cyclists that use it to travel between the two suburbs. 

Thanks to efforts of the Highway 280 Neighborhood Improvement District Cooperative (which includes the Cities of Mountain Brook, Homewood and Birmingham and Jefferson County), the project recently recently secured $4 million in federal funding from Senator Katie Britt’s appropriations, thanks to a joint effort aided by the City of Trussville, Jefferson County Commissioners and Congressman Robert Aderholt. The funding will be used to expand access to I-59 from Deerfoot Parkway in Trussville and to improve pedestrian access on the Hollywood Boulevard overpass.

“Thank you to the County, Union Cemetery, and the City of Birmingham, along with our elected officials, including and especially Senator Katie Britt, for the collaboration to make this project a reality, improving safety and traffic flow through this heavily-traveled corridor.”

Mayors Jennifer Andress (Homewood) and Graham Smith (Mountain Brook)

According to a Jefferson County press release, the contractor will begin work on the Homewood end of the project on Monday, August 3 as Phase 1 gets underway. Phase 1—which is anticipated to be completed by Fall 2026—includes:

• Roadway widening
• The construction of a new sidewalk from Malaga Avenue to Brookhill, excluding the section across the existing bridge

To help minimize impacts to daytime traffic, certain milling and paving operations may be performed during nighttime hours. If night work is required, every effort will be made to minimize disruptions while maintaining the safety of both the traveling public and construction personnel.

Throughout construction, motorists should expect periodic lane closures and are encouraged to use caution, reduce speeds, and allow additional travel time when traveling through the work zone.

Phase 2 will occur at a later date and will include widening the existing bridge on Hollywood Boulevard and constructing a sidewalk across the bridge.