It may take years to build, but it seems an elevated highway will be the most logical, realistic solution to solve the traffic nightmare that is U.S. 280 to date.

If you&8217;ve ever driven along U.S. Highway 280 during rush hours, you know something has got to give with regard to traffic.

However, as more businesses open along U.S. 280, the cost of rights-of-ways go up and traffic becomes that much more congested. This puts the state in a quandary. Even with &8220;eminent domain,&8221; property values are cost prohibitive to buy the land necessary to expand traffic lanes.

Elevated highways have worked in other parts of the country. And while more land may not be available, there is always up, thus the popularity of skyscrapers in big cities.

It has been said for years that when the current highway system in Jefferson and Shelby County was completed, it was already out of date. The problem was that plans did not adequately take into account the explosive growth along U.S. 280 and the shift in population to Shelby County.

An elevated highway going up and over seems to be a good idea.

But don&8217;t just believe us.

Find out for yourself at two meetings scheduled to give the public a chance to comment on this proposal Jan. 22-23 at the Cahaba Grand Conference Center on Highway 280.

Attend the elevated highway meetings planned by Linda Figg of Figg Engineering Group.

Ask questions and keep an open mind. This decision will not only affect you, but your children for years to come