Shelby County leaders are taking great strides this year towards making the nightmare that is U.S. 280 more manageable for commuters, residents and business owners.

With the idea of an elevated roadway becoming more of a reality, Shelby County city leaders are siding with what they collectively think is best for our area.

However, our neighbors from the north in Jefferson County are not so sure if they like the elevated roadway idea.

Concerns have been raised regarding the size of the project and the effects on the community.

In addition to throwing their full support behind the elevated roadway idea,

a number of local leaders are working on a resolution agreeing to work together and with the state Department of Transportation to control permits and the interchanges along the U.S. 280 corridor.

It&8217;s an obvious assertion that something needs to be done about

U.S. 280.

How much productivity is lost by thousands of people sitting in traffic for hours each workday?

How much worse is the pollution that is caused by idle cars on U.S. 280 than would be caused by an elevated roadway?

Shelby County city leaders from cities along U.S. 280, such as Harpersville, Chelsea, Vincent and Westover, are all for decreasing the amount of traffic and congestion on the road.

As residents who are forced to drive U.S. 280 or face equally frustrating traffic on other roads such as Interstate 65, we should be right there with our city leaders.

Shelby County residents need to put their hat in the ring on the U.S. 280 debate. Whether its an elevated roadway or restricted access roads, change is a must on Alabama&8217;s worst road.

It&8217;s our responsibility to help make that change happen