Plans for putting a traffic signal at the intersection of Highway 69 and 24th Street SW continue to move forward, even if the final funding for the infrastructure has not yet been worked out.

On Monday night, the Cullman City Council approved contracting with Sain Associates for a traffic signal warrant evaluation and timing plan for the light. The amount of the contract is $32,600, which is included in the estimated $250,000 for the traffic signal installation.

The intersection is located next to the Alabama National Guard Armory and Cullman Industrial Park I, and 24th Street is also used to get to AGCOR — Good Hope’s first manufacturer.

At the Good Hope City Council meeting last week, Cullman Economic Development Agency Director Dale Greer said the light is part of an economic development project with a local company that is looking to expand and add 70-80 local jobs, and the company requested the light to improve the safety in the area.

The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs has committed a $100,000 grant to the $250,000 project, Greer said.

He said the City of Cullman Industrial Development Board has also committed to providing $50,000 to the project.

The Cullman City Council had hoped Cullman County would also contribute $50,000 to the project, but last week the commission did not put the item on its agenda, sparking frustration at the Cullman City Council work session Monday night.

“It’s half in Good Hope and half in Cullman, and all in the county,” said Greer.

The Alabama Department of Transportation signed off on the signal at the intersection, based on the traffic volume. ALDOT, however, is not providing funding for the signal.

On social media, comments have been overwhelmingly in favor of adding a signal to the intersection, with many noting the number of accidents that have taken place.

“When I lived in Good Hope, I drove by there every day to get to work,” commented Angela Chasten on The Cullman Times Facebook page. “I saw MANY wrecks. And was in one myself on my way to work when a woman pulled out in front of me to turn left on the road! It totaled both of our cars and I suffered a few minor injuries. There is far too much traffic at that intersection to not have a light!!!”

The council also heard an update on the city’s economic prospects, including an update on the infrastructure work being done in the Warehouse District. Susan Eller said the stores in the area are open, with much of the pipe work being done at night to avoid disrupting businesses.

Groundbreaking on a new subdivision on Main Ave. SW is taking place Wednesday. When completed, the subdivision will have about 200 homes for sale.

Greer said the city was eliminated for two projects, one a scrap tire recycler and the other an aluminum fabricator. Another possible project in the works is an expansion of a local company in Vinemont.

In other business Monday, the council:

Approved an off-premises beer and wine license for Jet Pep Foodmart at 645 Alabama Hwy. 157.

Approved a bid for a 12” grit augur classifier unit in the amount of $30,688 from Cahaba Water Solutions. The equipment removes rock and debris, and the quote came in $8,000 under budget.

Approved amending position control for City of Cullman. The position is a mechanic position at the city garage.