City Projects

> Road & Sidewalk Projects
> Current Drainage Studies & Project Information
> Emergency Road Closures
> Infrastructure & Community Spaces Plan

Road & Sidewalk Projects

Periodic delays should be anticipated in all project areas – please drive with caution. If you have any questions or concerns, contact City of Vestavia Hills Department of Public Services at 205.978.0150 or email cbrady@vhal.org.

If you are experiencing any issues with restoration following utility work being done at your residence or place of business, please submit your complaint to the Vestavia Hills Action Center (www.vhal.org/action-center) or call 205.978.0150.

Road

Crosshaven Drive – The Jefferson County project is wrapping up and milling/patching work will begin Sunday, March 6, immediately followed by final paving work. Please note that all work will be done overnight, usually between 8pm and 4am. Overnight traffic delays will occur. Additionally, the paving work may require the closure of sections of Crosshaven Drive. Weather permitting, we anticipate work being complete on or before March 18. Please note that the jobsite will be well lit and will generate some degree of noise. If you are a resident or business owner in need of overnight assistance during the construction period, contact the VHPD Desk Sergeant at 205.978.0140. Click HERE to view the detour map.

With the exception of final paving, the City of Vestavia Hills portions of the Crosshaven Drive project are complete. The Green Valley/Crosshaven Intersection improvement in partnership with Jefferson County is also wrapping up. Project scope included additional widening and turn lane improvements, traffic signal modification and drainage improvements to accommodate current and future traffic volumes.

City of Vestavia Hills project work included the following improvements (Project map):
• Road widening: continuous three-lane road cross section (with dedicated left turn lane) from Overton Rd to Cahaba Heights Rd
• Sidewalk installation: continuous sidewalk along Crosshaven Drive
• Curb and gutter system installation to more effectively manage stormwater
• Creation of dedicated right turn lanes at Greendale Rd, Bearden Ct and Green Valley Rd
• Upgrade and relocation of utilities (water, sanitary sewer, gas, telecommunications and power)

Massey Road – This repaving project is estimated at approximately $2.5MM and will be funded and constructed by ALDOT. City staff have, however, been working with ALDOT to move the paving of Massey forward as quickly as possible. Right-of-way negotiations with affected property owners are ongoing, with agreements reached with approximately 21 of the 27 owners. Utility coordination will then begin following receipt of ALDOT’s construction schedule.

Wisteria Drive and Derby Drive – Paving activity is scheduled to begin on Wednesday, March 8, 2023 on Wisteria Drive and Derby Drive. Weather permitting, final resurfacing will be complete within approximately 5 days.
Sidewalk

Cahaba Heights Sidewalk Connector – This sidewalk project is also a creek restoration project that will result in a publicly accessible natural area adjacent to a proposed outdoor venue, as well as restaurants, to be situated between Cahaba Heights Road and Pipeline Road. The sidewalk will connect the Heights Village shopping center and other nearby amenities (e.g. Meadowlawn Park) with the venue and restaurants on the other side of the creek, which has been utilized for drainage. Project completion is anticipated spring of 2023. Thank you to Representative Jim Carns, Cawaco and the property owners that have given easements and cooperation for the improvements in support of this project.

Pedestrian Bridge – Alternative design concepts have been evaluated and the feasibility report is being finalized. An ALDOT review meeting is scheduled for late February. The bridge will be across Highway 31 (SR-3) in the vicinity of Wald Park and the Vestavia Hills Public Library. Click to view the conceptual design and location map. For the latest status of the design process, click here to view the 08.22.2022 City Council agenda. Information for this project is available on pages 50-109.

Rocky Ridge Road/Dolly Ridge Road – Design work for this sidewalk project is approximately 90% complete. Proposed project map.

Miscellaneous

2022-2025 Paving List & Resolution 5190: Rebuild Alabama Act – The 2019-2022 Paving Schedule is a potential 3-year plan for paving poorly rated roads.

2016 Sidewalk Master Plan & Resolution 5122: Sidewalk Construction Policy

Click to View Current Drainage Studies & Project Information

Emergency Road Closures

CLOSED: None

Be sure to follow Vestavia Hills Police and Fire on social media for up-to-the-minute, accurate information:
VHFD – Facebook: @VestaviaHillsFire
VHPD – Facebook: @VestaviaHillsPolice; Twitter: @VHPD1032

Report emergencies by calling 911. Non-emergencies can be reported by calling VHPD at 205.823.1153. Downed trees, downed power lines or other hazardous road conditions can be reported via the Action Center (app or online). Your report will be immediately routed to the appropriate first responder.

Report a power outage online at http://bit.ly/ALPwrOutage or call 800.888.2726.

Infrastructure & Community Spaces Plan

The Infrastructure & Community Spaces Plan is a comprehensive proposal for improvements to a broad range of activities throughout the City of Vestavia Hills. This plan was initially based on the following strategic drivers established in the 2015 Recreation and Athletics Master Plan and has since been expanded to include not only recreational facilities, but also community infrastructure improvements.

  • Reposition quality of life assets to reflect the Vestavia Hills brand and effectively recruit and retain families
  • Elevate the quality of existing facilities to comprehensively serve the recreational interests of all members of the community regardless of age
  • Increase the capacity of City athletic facilities to ensure that Vestavia Hills youth sports programs deliver a high impact and consistent experience that result in the athletic and personal development of all participants

Plan Components

Prior to development of plan recommendations, stakeholders (residents, business owners, City staff, City board members, etc.) completed various online surveys and participated in a series of public engagement meetings to aid in determining the most important quality-of-life amenities for the Vestavia Hills community. Following are those plan components, along with estimated project costs. Questions or comments? Visit https://vhal.org/vestavia-hills-listens and select “Community Spaces Plan questions and comments.”

Altadena Valley Park
Vestavia Hills annexed the former Altadena Valley Country Club property on September 28, 2015. The property currently houses a 70-acre passive park, along with a 22-acre subdivision (66 homes). An Altadena Valley Park committee has been formed to explore plans to enhance and improve Altadena Valley Park, while still maintaining its status as a passive park. Community meetings were held November 29, 2021 so that residents, along with adjacent property owners, could review and comment on the proposed plans. 

2015 Master Plan Concept. Click to view the 2015 Council-approved Ordinance (2598) and Master Plan Concept for this property that included:
– 4 rectangle fields with appropriate lighting (soccer, football, lacrosse)
– 2 diamond fields with appropriate lighting (baseball, soccer)
– Approximately 500 parking spaces
– 25-acre passive park

2021 Revised Master Plan Concept. Click to view the current proposed Master Plan Concept which allows Altadena Valley Park to remain a passive park. This concept significantly reduces previously approved development plans and proposes:
– Approximately 4 miles of connected walking/biking paths
– Playground
– Canoe launch
– Archery
– BMX Pump Track
– Disc golf
– Pavilion & restrooms
– Restoration of pond & bridge
– Wildflower masses
– Approximately 150 parking spaces with minimal directional (downward) lighting

Aquatic Complex (Wald Park)
The Aquatic Complex features a competition pool and a family-style leisure pool. The family-style leisure pool features a zero-step entry, interactive water features and a swirling vortex offered specifically to entertain our youngest swimmers. The competition pool is designed for intermediate to advanced swimmers and offers a 12’ diving well, four dedicated lap lanes and an open swim area. Also within the pool area are lounge chairs for tanning in the sun or relaxing in shady areas, restrooms/locker rooms and a concessions area with a dedicated covered dining space.

Cahaba Heights Park
The state-of-the-art Cahaba Heights Park was the first of the Community Spaces projects to be completed and officially opened August 14, 2020. The 10-acre park was built to replace an aging baseball complex located behind Vestavia Hills Elementary – Cahaba Heights and features four turfed ballfields, along with a new field house, batting cages, an inclusive playground and a dog park. Click to view the July 7, 2020 drone video.

Civic Center
The new Vestavia Hills Civic Center officially opened to the public on Tuesday, November 29, 2022. This nearly 100,000-sf facility houses multi-purpose recreation courts (for basketball, volleyball, badminton, pickleball, etc.), an indoor walking track, meeting and event spaces, a 10,000-sf banquet space with warming kitchen, office spaces and a the future Vestavia Hills Sports Hall of Fame. The Civic Center is adjacent to City Hall and has an entrance/exit for easy access to the City Hall lawn.

Crosshaven Drive
With the exception of final paving, the City of Vestavia Hills portions of the Crosshaven Drive project are complete. The Green Valley/Crosshaven Intersection is being improved in partnership with Jefferson County; the Vestavia Hills project management staff will oversee and direct the project and Jefferson County will reimburse the City for project costs. Project scope includes additional widening and turn lane improvements, traffic signal modification and drainage improvements to accommodate current and future traffic volumes. Anticipated completion is spring of 2023.

City of Vestavia Hills project work included the following improvements (Project map):
• Road widening: continuous three-lane road cross section (with dedicated left turn lane) from Overton Rd to Cahaba Heights Rd
• Sidewalk installation: continuous sidewalk along Crosshaven Drive
• Curb and gutter system installation to more effectively manage stormwater
• Creation of dedicated right turn lanes at Greendale Rd, Bearden Ct and Green Valley Rd
• Upgrade and relocation of utilities (water, sanitary sewer, gas, telecommunications and power)

New Merkel House
Construction of the (new) New Merkel House and adjacent dog park completed spring 2021. A Ribbon Cutting was held to officially open the facility on April 29, 2021.

Sicard Hollow Athletic Complex (AML Grant Project)
Newly constructed pavilion and futsal/pickleball courts officially opened on November 7, 2020 and have been nearly filled to capacity ever since! For more information, visit https://vhal.org/departments/parks-recreation.

Wald Park
Wald Park has undergone extensive renovations and is well on the way to becoming a state-of-the-art park, built to replace an aging complex located on Highway 31 South. The majority of Wald Park renovations are complete, including an Aquatic Complex with leisure and competition pools; a baseball complex with three grass baseball fields, adjacent batting cages and field house; a dedicated Miracle League Field; two inclusive playgrounds; and a multi-purpose Grand Lawn. A ribbon cutting celebrating the grand opening of the Grand Lawn was held June 24, 2021.

A major component of the Wald Park renovation is the new Miracle League Field. The natural grass fields typically available in conventional leagues are the primary barrier that prevent children with mental and physical disabilities from enjoying America’s favorite pastime. The Miracle League Field provides a dedicated space to play and practice on a custom-designed, rubberized turf field that accommodates wheelchairs and other assertive devices while helping to prevent injuries. More than 200 athletes, parents, community members and special guests attended the grand opening event on November 15, 2020 to celebrate this wonderful amenity to our community. The inaugural season opened on April 11, 2021 and concluded on May 23, 2021 with an awards ceremony.

Wald Park Phase 3 – which includes the addition of six tennis courts, six pickleball courts, more than 100 parking spaces, a dog park and a walking trail – is underway. The anticipated completion date is late summer/early fall 2023.

Estimated Costs*

Crosshaven Drive Road Capacity & Sidewalk Improvement Project: $5,033,888
Sidewalk Installation: $2,500,000
Road Paving: $2,200,000
Stormwater Infrastructure Improvements: $550,000
Wald Park (including Aquatic Complex): $24,369,662
Cahaba Heights Park: $7,390,054
Civic Center: $16,326,131
Refinance Civic Center Property (former Gold’s Gym): $8,900,000
(new) New Merkel House: $864,555

TOTAL ESTIMATED COST: $68,134,290

*Cost information is updated as true costs or estimate changes occur.

Activity Updates

  • November 29, 2022: Grand Opening event for Vestavia Hills Civic Center.
  • May 29, 2021: Opening day for the summer swim season at the Vestavia Hills Aquatic Complex.
  • April 29, 2021: Ribbon Cutting and reception celebrating the completion of the New Merkel House.
  • April 11, 2021: Opening day for the Miracle League at the new Wald Park Miracle League Field.
  • February 27, 2021: Opening day for youth baseball at the new Cahaba Heights and Wald Park baseball complexes.
  • November 15, 2020: Grand Opening event for the Miracle League Field at Wald Park.
  • November 7, 2020: Opening day for the new futsal and pickleball courts at SHAC.
  • September 5, 2020: Opening day for the Vestavia Hills Aquatic Complex.
  • August 14, 2020: Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting celebrating the opening of the Cahaba Heights Park.
  • May 28, 2020: The Council unanimously approved Resolution 5246, acceptance of a bid for landscaping at Cahaba Heights Park.
  • May 18, 2020: Bid opening for New Merkel House project, including adjacent dog park.
  • May 11, 2020: The Council unanimously approved Resolution 5232, acceptance of a bid for the Vestavia Hills Community Building project. The low bidder is Amason & Associates.
  • April 13, 2020: The Council reviewed enhanced options for playground equipment at Wald and Cahaba Heights Parks, including the budget required for each option.
    Click HERE to view the GameTime slideshow of enhanced options.
    Click HERE to view the executive summary, including budget.
  • April 2, 2020: Video of Wald Park progress.
  • March 30, 2020: City Council voted unanimously to accept a bid for the East Street sidewalk project (Resolution 5230). Council also introduced as new business, a resolution accepting bid for the Crosshaven Drive Improvement Project (Resolution 5231).
  • March 2 & 3, 2020: Community meetings were offered for stakeholders to review options and provide input for the playground equipment to be purchased and installed at Wald Park & Cahaba Heights Park.
    Click HERE to view the GameTime slideshow of options.
    Click HERE to view the video of the March 2 meeting.
  • February 17, 2020: The Community Building bid tabulation was discussed at the Council work session. Bid approval will be on the agenda for the Monday, March 9, 2020 Council meeting with a request for unanimous approval. If approved, the next phase of work at the Community Building is TBD. Click HERE to view the bid tab. 
  • January 29-30, 2020: TCU presented an update to the Community Spaces budget to the Council during the annual Strategic Planning Session. TCU representatives were asked to participate in a special called Council Work Session on February 10, 2020 for the purpose of presenting Community Spaces Plan updates, including detailed information regarding budget overruns.
  • November 13, 2019: City Council voted to officially name the Cahaba Heights athletic fields “Cahaba Heights Park.”
  • August 26, 2019: Resolution 5183, a resolution accepting a bid for SHAC improvements, was unanimously approved during the regular meeting of the Council. Improvements will be funded by the previously awarded $750,000 Mine Reclamation Grant and will include an extension to the existing trail system, as well as the building of a pavilion and sport courts for futsal and pickleball play. In addition to these base bid items, an alternate bid for $34,000 may be accepted in the future for the building of sand volleyball courts. Click HERE to view a rendering of the proposed SHAC improvements.

    A TCU representative presented project updates, which included the following active projects:
    – Wald Park: Selective demolition, clearing and mass grading are ongoing. A tremendous amount of earth has been moved in the past months, but the park will soon begin to take shape as crews dig out the pool area, clear and grade the dog park area, etc.
    – Cahaba Heights Athletic Fields: Most of the demolition on this job site is complete but there is a small amount of clearing and grading that remains. Safety is always a high-priority, but particularly on this job site given its proximity to VHECH. As such, TCU and City staff are in constant contact with the Board of Education to be sure project status, timelines, etc. are fully communicated.
    – Community Building: Project estimating is underway for the construction/renovation of the Community Building. TCU is evaluating all functions of the facility to be sure all programmatic items are included in the estimate and subsequent bid process. Once complete, the estimate will be presented to the Council for review/approval prior to entering the bid process.
  • July 19, 2019: The Wald Park bid tabulation was discussed at the Council work session. Bid approval will be on the agenda for the Monday, July 22 Council meeting with a request for unanimous approval. If approved, the next phase of work at Wald Park will begin July 25, 2019. Click HERE to view the bid tab. 
  • June 25, 2019: City Manager Jeff Downes hosted a Lunch & Learn where he presented an update on the construction plans for Cahaba Heights Athletic Complex, Wald Park and the Community Building. Click HERE to view the presentation. Click HERE to view the presentation notes (provided by Councilor Kimberly Cook).
  • June 24, 2019: Updated project dates were presented during the City Council meeting. (See above)
  • June 10, 2019: Construction documents for the Wald Park and Community Building projects were presented during the City Council Work Session by representatives from TCU. Click HERE to view the full presentation. At the Council meeting, the bid for renovation/construction of the Cahaba Heights athletic complex was unanimously approved. The low bidder is Stone Building LLC and their bid is within the constraints of previously established budget for this project. The bid documents are available for viewing in the June 10, 2019 Council Agenda Packet at https://vhal.org/government/agendas/.
  • March 12, 2019: City Manager Jeff Downes presented an update on the Infrastructure & Community Spaces Plan at the Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce luncheon. Click HERE to view the presentation.
  • February 4, 2019: The Wald Park, Cahaba Heights Athletic Fields and Community Building projects have moved into the Design Development stage. Design drawings/renderings for these projects were presented during the City Council Work Session by representatives from Williams Blackstock Architects. Click HERE to view the full presentation.
  • October 15, 2018: Design considerations for the Cahaba Heights Athletic Fields and the Community Building were presented and discussed during the City Council work session.
  • September 24, 2018: Ordinance Number 2801 – an Ordinance accepting a bid for the Wald Park Initial Site Package – was approved by unanimous vote of the City Council. Site work at Wald Park will commence this week.
  • September 17, 2018: Design considerations for Wald Park were presented and discussed during the City Council work session. Wald Park Tree Save Plan
  • August 20, 2018: TCU CSP Projects Report – July 2018 presented during City Council work session
  • May 14, 2018: The corporate office of Gold’s Gym initiated conversations to reach an agreement for the early termination of the lease contract on property located at 1090 Montgomery Highway, effective June 30, 2018, with a termination payment to the City of Vestavia Hills in the amount of $510,000. The Mayor and City Council approved Resolution 5051, authorizing the City Manager to execute and deliver this full and final settlement agreement, release and lease termination for the Gold’s Gym property. As a part of the Community Spaces Plan, Gold’s Gym will become the new Community Building and will have nearly 90,000-sf of space for people of all ages to utilize for senior programming, arts & crafts, dances, basketball games, etc. This Community Building is just a small part of the overall plan to renovate and replace aging infrastructure and facilities city-wide.
  • April 16, 2018: The City of Vestavia Hills has been awarded a grant from ALDOT (TAP 2018) for $280,000. The grant’s purpose is to construct a sidewalk/trail connection from Gold’s Gym to Wald Park. For additional details of the grant application, along with Governor Ivey’s award letter, visit TAP Grant – Sidewalk Connector. This grant furthers efforts to fully integrate City facilities along Highway 31.
  • April 9, 2018: The City Council voted to approve 1% sales tax and 3% lodging tax increases. To access meeting minutes or to view the archived meeting video, visit Current Agendas & Agenda Packet.
  • April 3, 2018: Town Hall Meeting Presentation
  • January 18, 2018: TCU CSP Plan
  • June 12, 2017: City Council approved Resolution 4951 authorizing the Mayor and City Manager to execute and deliver a contract for the implementation stage of the Community Spaces Plan for a program manager (TCU).

Archived Files

 

Planning Projects

  • Traffic Operations APPLE Study (Phase 1)
  • APPLE Potential Intersection Study
  • Dolly Ridge Road & Rocky Ridge Road (Jeff Co) – currently signalized; review signal operations and potential turn lane additions
  • Sicard Hollow Road & Blue Lake Drive (Jeff Co/Bham) – not currently signalized; review for safety, operational and sight line improvements
  • Shades Crest/Rocky Ridge Road/U.S. Highway 280 (Jeff Co/ALDOT) – currently signalized and coordinated with U.S. 280 system; capacity analysis
  • Highway 31 & Shades Crest Road (ALDOT/Jeff Co) – currently signalized; review signal operations and potential turn lane additions
  • Highway 31 & Columbiana Road (ALDOT/Jeff Co) – currently signalized; review signal operations and operational improvements
  • Highway 31/Old Creek Trail/Leona Way (ALDOT) – currently signalized; review signal operations, operational improvements with access management
  • Columbiana Road & Shades Crest/Vestaview (Jeff Co) – currently signalized; pedestrian access
  • Highway 31/City Hall/Sprouts (ALDOT/Jeff Co) – currently signalized; pedestrian access
  • Highway 31/Pizitz Drive (ALDOT/Jeff Co) – currently signalized; pedestrian access
  • River Run Drive & River Run Trail (Jeff Co/Bham) – not signalized; analysis for need to add 3‐way stop or other means of traffic control
  • Jacobs Road & Massey Road (City of Vestavia Hills) – not signalized; review safety and sight line improvements, right‐of‐way constraints
  • Acton Road APPLE Grant (Feasibility Study) – in design phase
  • Wald Park Master Plan – awaiting Community Spaces Plan approval by Council
  • Crosshaven APPLE grant – for more information, visit Crosshaven Drive Corridor Study
  • East Street Analysis and Planning – for more information, visit East Street Data Collection Summary