Pell City replaces dim I-20 exit lights

Pell City officials approved a plan to replace lighting at two exits along Interstate 20. The project aims to restore visibility for drivers in areas that have grown dark over the last two decades.

City Manager Tim Kurzejeski stated that the street department could no longer maintain the existing system. The current lighting infrastructure was installed in 2002. Kurzejeski noted that fixtures began failing sequentially, leaving Exits 156 and 158 poorly lit. This deterioration raised safety concerns among local motorists.

The city identified the lighting upgrade as a priority following internal research. Kurzejeski explained that the goal is to return the exits to their original design intent. He emphasized that the decision was driven by both safety needs and economic factors. Well-lit areas encourage drivers to stop for gas, food, or shopping. Both exits serve high-traffic commercial zones where visibility is essential for safety.

Kurzejeski described the commercial development around these exits as a key reason for the update. The city wants to ensure people feel secure entering and leaving these areas. He noted that the project involves multiple agencies working together to restore the original scope of the lighting design.

The plan calls for the installation of 98 new light heads between the two exits. The Alabama Department of Transportation and Alabama Power have already approved the project. Kurzejeski said the city is currently reviewing necessary agreements and contracts.

No start date or completion timeline has been set. The city is finalizing the paperwork before work begins. The new fixtures will replace the outdated units that have been failing since the early 2000s.