Abbeville’s courthouse square gets million-dollar makeover aimed at safety and accessibility

ABBEVILLE, Ala. (WTVY) - A million-dollar renovation is underway at Abbeville’s courthouse square, bringing wider sidewalks, stamped crosswalks, enhanced landscaping and fully ADA-compliant walkways to the heart of Henry County.

The bulk of the project’s funding is coming from the Alabama Department of Transportation.

Mayor Jimmy Money, who has pushed for the project for more than five years, said the city and county’s financial contribution is minimal by comparison.

“The county and city is contributing very little to beautify our city and to make it safer with the projects that ALDOT has made,” Money said.

Stoplights replaced by four-way stops

One of the most visible changes is already in place: stoplights around the square have been removed and replaced by four-way stops. Money said the switch has improved traffic flow.

“I travel probably as much as anybody, and it’s 50 to 60% quicker now than it is stopping at red lights,” he said.

Henry County Sheriff Eric Blankenship, whose office sits across from the courthouse, said residents had concerns about the change before it took effect.

“I know there was a lot of concern from the citizens that it’s going to slow traffic down and it’s going to bottleneck it,” Blankenship said.

He said the data has shown otherwise.

“It’s actually safer now and easier to cross over the street with a four-way stop than having the green lights and then having these, you know, semi-trucks come through here,” Blankenship said.

Sidewalk repairs and ADA access

Blankenship said the square’s sidewalk infrastructure was also overdue for attention.

“There’s a lot of our sidewalks that either had, you know, been kind of in need of repair. And there was others that just were non-existent,” he said.

The renovation addresses both issues, with new ADA-compliant walkways designed to make downtown accessible to all residents and visitors.

A bet on Abbeville’s future

For Blankenship, the project carries significance beyond infrastructure.

“There’s so many cities around our state and around our country that are drying up and becoming like ghost towns,” he said.

Money said the project has been years in the making.

“It’s kind of like remodeling a home. The edges are rough when you begin, but in the end, it’s going to be nice. It’s going to be pretty and benefit to see it in the county,” he said.

“It’s been a long time coming, but I guess kind of like wine. Good things take time,” Money said.

Construction is expected to wrap up by the end of the year.

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