To: The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT)

Subject: Urgent Need for Safety Improvements on the Alabama Coastal Connection 

We, the undersigned, are deeply concerned about the safety of citizens and tourists traveling on the Alabama Coastal Connection Scenic Byway in Grand Bay. Despite its scenic beauty and historical significance, this stretch of highway has become notorious for its high accident rates, posing significant risks to everyone who uses it. We urgently call on ALDOT to address these critical safety issues and make the necessary improvements to protect lives.

Safety Concerns:

1. High Speeds: The high speed limits on this highway increase the risk of accidents and make it unsafe for both drivers and pedestrians.
2. Dangerous Curve at Ramsey Rd: This curve has been the site of numerous accidents due to its sharpness and lack of adequate warning signs or speed reduction measures.
3. Hazardous Intersection at Saeger Rd: The intersection where the Coastal Connection meets Saeger Rd is extremely dangerous, leading to countless accidents due to poor visibility and high-speed traffic.
4. Lack of Alternative Transportation Options: There are no bike lanes along this stretch of highway, making it unsafe for cyclists and discouraging the use of alternative, eco-friendly modes of transportation.

Our Requests:

1. Speed Reduction Measures: Implement lower speed limits and install speed enforcement mechanisms to ensure compliance.
2. Safety Enhancements at Ramsey Rd: Improve the signage, add rumble strips, and re-engineer the curve to reduce its severity and improve safety.
3. Intersection Improvements at Saeger Rd: Upgrade the intersection with better lighting, signage, and the installation of a roundabout or traffic signals to improve traffic flow and reduce the risk of accidents.
4. Addition of Bike Lanes: Promote alternative modes of transportation by adding bike lanes along this stretch of the highway, ensuring the safety of cyclists.

Why This Matters:

• Protecting Lives: Countless Grand Bay citizens and tourists have been involved in horrific accidents along this stretch of highway. It's imperative to take action to prevent further loss of life.
• Enhancing Community Safety: Improving the safety of this road will benefit the entire community, making it safer for all users.
• Promoting Eco-Friendly Transportation: Adding bike lanes (which is a goal of the Alabama Coastal Connection per the Official Corridor Management Plan) will encourage the use of bicycles, reducing traffic congestion and promoting a healthier, more sustainable mode of transportation.

We, the undersigned, urge ALDOT to prioritize these safety improvements and take immediate action to address these critical issues. It is time to ensure that no lives are lost due to preventable accidents on the Alabama Coastal Connection in Grand Bay. We demand attention to this urgent matter and are committed to seeing these changes implemented for the safety of all.