HB342 Alabama 2011 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Thad McClammy

Democrat

Co-Sponsors

K.L. BrownSteve McMillanAlan BakerJoe FaustHarry ShiverMac McCutcheonRandy DavisTodd GreesonElwyn ThomasThomas JacksonDonnie Chesteen

Session

Regular Session 2011

Title

Transportation Department, required to design more complete public roads that enable safe access for all users, report of best practices utilized, required, Sec. 23-1-40.1 added

Summary

HB342 would require the Department of Transportation to design complete streets that safely serve all users and to publish a best-practice report two years after the act's effective date.

What This Bill Does

It would require ALDOT to implement complete street design features in planning, design, construction, reconstruction, resurfacing, and rehabilitation of highways under its oversight that are eligible for funding. It defines complete street features to include sidewalks, bike lanes, crosswalks, pedestrian signals, bus pull-outs, curb cuts, ramps, roundabouts, and other traffic calming measures to accommodate people of all ages and abilities. Exceptions are allowed only if bicyclists/pedestrians are prohibited by law, if costs are disproportionately high, or if there is a demonstrated lack of need, with public documentation. The department must publish a best-practice report within two years showing how procedures and guidance have been revised to improve safety and effectiveness for all users.

Who It Affects

• The Department of Transportation (ALDOT) — must implement complete street designs across planning, design, construction, and rehabilitation and prepare the required best-practice report.
• Road users (bicyclists, pedestrians, public transportation users, and motorists of all ages and abilities) — would gain safer, more accessible streets, with limited exceptions where prohibited by law or where costs or need prevent implementation.

Key Provisions

• Section 23-1-40.1 added requiring DOT to implement complete street design features for planning, design, construction, reconstruction, resurfacing, and rehabilitation of highways and roads under DOT oversight that are eligible for federal and state funding.
• Definition and examples of complete street features include sidewalks, paved shoulders, bike lanes, lane striping, crosswalks, pedestrian control signals, bus pull-outs, curb cuts and raised crosswalks, ramps, roundabouts, and traffic calming measures.
• DOT must consult with counties, cities, public transit organizations, relevant state agencies, and other stakeholders including disability-rights groups, senior citizens groups, bicycle and pedestrian advocates, and developers.
• Exceptions to the design requirements are allowed only after full demonstration with public documentation that: use by bicyclists/pedestrians is prohibited by law; cost is disproportionate to the need; or there is a demonstrated lack of need.
• Within two years after the act’s effective date, DOT must publish a report detailing how it has complied, including changes to procedures and guidance documents (lane width, design speed, ADT thresholds, level of service, roadway classification) and any best practices used.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Transportation Department