For about hundred years now, US 431 has been routed down Quintard Avenue in Anniston. It is paired with AL-21 and it’s one of the busiest roads in East Alabama. In fact, I even made an Roadscapes video highlighting Quintard Ave. But very soon, my video will be outdated! Because US 431 is about to leave Quintard Avenue forever.
That’s right, when the Anniston Eastern Bypass fully opens, US 431 will be the official routing. The original plan from ALDOT was to have US 431 continue onto Quintard Avenue, and the new bypass be named AL-901. As seen from the blueprint below of the new intersection in Saks.
But, things have changed! When the bypass fully opens, US 431 will go onto the bypass. And instead of taking US 78 in Oxford, US 431 will go onto Interstate 20 between exits 188 and 191. How do I know this? Because ALDOT put up BGS signs at the exit 188 interchange in Oxford.
For now, ALDOT has used black cloth to cover up the US 431 shields, since the bypass is not fully open yet. But, the cloth was not put on very good since it’s temporary. Thanks to some wind blowing the cloths open. You can tell what is being covered up is US 431.
So, when the bypass fully opens, all of the current US 431 signs along Quintard Ave. and US 78 will be removed. But don’t worry, Quintard Ave. will still be a state highway as AL-21 will still be traveling down the busy road. One has to wonder, with US 431 moving, how much of the traffic levels will drop off along Quintard Ave?
Categories: Roadscapes Stuff
