By NEAL WAGNER / Managing Editor

ALABASTER – Alabaster is working with multiple agencies and companies to finalize plans to extend Fulton Springs Road to U.S. 31 as a developer is showing interest in bringing retail shops to the property.

During a July 28 City Council pre-meeting work session, City Manager George Henry gave council members an update on the project, which will involve extending Shelby County 26 – also known as Fulton Springs Road – from its current terminus at Old Highway 31 through an undeveloped piece of land to U.S. 31.

“If we get the design approved, we can punch it through pretty quickly,” Henry said of the road. “Hopefully, that is going to come about soon.”

Henry said the city has been working with the Alabama Department of Transportation, Shelby County Highway Department and the CSX railroad company to design and implement the project, which will open the undeveloped land south of the South Promenade shopping center for development.

“The state has to give approval of which medians will be closed (on U.S. 31),” Henry said, noting city leaders have a meeting scheduled with ALDOT for Aug. 12 to discuss the project’s design.

City officials previously said a developer has expressed interest in bringing a retail development to the property, and said extending Fulton Springs Road through to U.S. 31 will allow easier access to the property.

As of Aug. 1, the city and possible developer had not announced plans for the proposed retail development, and had not disclosed which retailers are interested in the property.