1999

ALDOT proposes to route Eastern Bypass through the heart of Hurricane Creek. Files incomplete Environmental Impact Statement. 

2001, MARCH

Friends of Hurricane Creek present ALDOT with alternative routes for Bypass. 

2001, JULY

Area residents raise concerns Bypass will bring noise and pollution. 

2002, JANUARY

ALDOT makes a mess of Bryant Bridge construction, risks major sewerage spill into river. City of Tuscaloosa issues halt work orders. ALDOT keeps working. 

2002, JULY

ALDOT holds public meeing regarding Eastern Bypass. Approximately 500 people attend, many with protest signs warning of danger to Hurricane Creek. 

2004

FOHC begin work to have land along Hurricane Creek brought into a conservation easement program. 

2005

Huge billboard erected alongside Bryant Bridge despite City of Tuscaloosa objections. 

2006, SEPTEMBER

Tuscaloosa News runs feature article “On the Edge of Extinction,” highlighLng the Bypass’s threat to Creek area’s many rare plants and animals. 

2006, DECEMBER

Sen. Richard Shelby and Mayor Walter Maddox ask ALDOT to move Bypass to accommodate new residential development. They do not request that Hurricane Creek be spared. 

2007

Southern Environmental Law Center & FOHC demand that ALDOT file a complete Environmental Impact Statement regarding the Bypass. 

2008, JANUARY

249 acres along Hurricane Creek sold to Trust for Public Lands with understanding that Tuscaloosa Parks & Recreation Authority PARA) will acquire the land for a park. 

2008, SEPTEMBER

PARA acquires land along Creek and opens it as a public park.

 

2010, SEPTEMBER 2

PARA sells 79 acres to ALDOT so Bypass can cut through Hurricane Creek. ALDOT agrees to move other portions of route to accommodate residential development. 

2010, SEPTEMBER 10

Tuscaloosa News editorial headline says it all: “Hurricane Creek Needs Protection.” 

2010 OCTOBER 26

As required, ALDOT holds a “Public Involvement Meeting” about the Bypass. However, ALDOT permits no opportunity for the many critics of the Bypass to speak.

2010, NOVEMBER

ALDOT's lack of concern for eco-conscious building practices along the Hurricane Creek watershed causes damage to property. (See photo gallery.)

2011

ALDOT refuses to grant PARA right of access to build a parking lot to Hurricane Creek Park. No official explanation is available.

2011, DECEMBER

Public hearing on Eastern Bypass is scheduled to coincide with Christmas holiday break.

2012, MARCH 15

Public hearing on Eastern Bypass is coincidentally scheduled to coincide with spring break, which decreased chance that students and families will be in town to ask questions and learn more.