Blount County residents could possibly see construction on Hwy. 160 as soon as two years from now.

Such was the news Monday at the second Highway 160 Promise forum. Hwy. 160 is a group pushing for major improvements to make the highway safer. 

At least 100 citizens and officials turned out for the event, where the main speakers were Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) spokesman Tony Harris and ALDOT Division Three Design Engineer Lance Taylor.

According to the State of Alabama’s five-year road construction plan, Highway 160 is scheduled to be widened into a four-lane road with a turning lane.

In addition to state officials, other speakers at the meeting were friends and family members of people who have been killed or injured in car accidents on Hwy. 160.

“I think when ALDOT hears from the actual families they can no longer use the scientific and engineering talk,” said Amy Camp, founder and executive director of Hwy. 160 Promise. “It makes it a lot more real for them.”

Camp said ghe group’s next goal is to reach to the federal level, especially regarding environmental factors.

In the meantime, the group is pushing for additional safety measures on Hwy. 160, such as caution lights and guard rails.

In October 2006, Gov. Bob Riley promised to provide additional state troopers on the highway.

Camp said state troopers still have a strong presence in the area. She said they have written 600 tickets on the highway since October.

Another of Highway 160 Promise’s goals is to get Blount County residents registered to vote.

The group is hosting a voter registration drive on Feb. 13 in the form of the West Blount Park Chili Cook-off. The park is at 340 Bent Tree Dr. in Hayden.

Entries must be turned in by Saturday. Entry fees are $25.

The registration drive and chili cook-off will also feature live music, blood drive, activities, vendor booths.

Camp wants to show the next state administration, following Riley’s exit from office, that Blount County is a growing community that votes and gets involved in issues.

“We think they should make Hwy. 160 their platform,” Camp said.