Portion of Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd Converting to Two-Way Traffic in March

The change aims to improve connectivity and safety in the Five Points South district.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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The City of Birmingham Department of Transportation announced plans to convert a portion of Richard Arrington Jr. Boulevard South from a one-way street to a two-way street in early March. The change will affect the stretch between Highland Avenue South and University Boulevard, with the goal of strengthening connectivity, easing navigation, and enhancing safety for motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians in the Five Points South area.

Why it matters

Birmingham's shift from one-way to two-way streets is part of the city's broader Complete Streets policy, which aims to redesign roads to better accommodate all modes of transportation, not just vehicles. This change reflects a nationwide trend of cities moving away from one-way streets that prioritize fast vehicle traffic over local access and community needs.

The details

The two-way conversion will take place on March 7-8. Local landmarks along the affected stretch of Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd include several Five Points South businesses and destinations. The city believes the change will create more intuitive travel patterns and increase overall visibility along the corridor.

  • The two-way conversion will take place on March 7-8, 2026.
  • Birmingham adopted its Complete Streets ordinance in 2018.

The players

Birmingham Department of Transportation

The city agency overseeing the two-way conversion project on Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd.

Darrell O'Quinn

City Council President and Chair of the Birmingham City Council Transportation Committee, who explained the city's shift away from one-way streets.

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What they’re saying

“This strategic infrastructure improvement is designed to strengthen connectivity within the district, making it easier for residents, visitors, and businesses to navigate the area.”

— Birmingham Department of Transportation (bhamnow.com)

“In recent times, both our city and cities all over the country have realized that that [one way streets] are harmful to the fabric of our community and our small businesses. What were otherwise slow-moving streets were turned into fast moving thoroughfares catering to people who were just looking to get in and out of the city.”

— Darrell O'Quinn, Chair of the Birmingham City Council Transportation Committee (bhamnow.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Birmingham's shift from one-way to two-way streets on Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd reflects a broader trend of cities prioritizing community access and safety over fast vehicle traffic, as part of their Complete Streets policies.