DAPHNE, Ala. — The Daphne Finance Committee at Monday’s monthly meeting gave a favorable recommendation for Highway 98 median improvements.

The improvements — happening just south of Interstate 10 and D’Olive Creek — would cost the city $48,500.

“That one crossover has reported a high number of accidents over the last three years with some having injuries,” Daphne Public Works Director Richard Johnson said, noting that the area is referred to by residents as “Hamburger Road.” The area is heavily populated by fast-food restaurants.

Proposed improvements include adding a directional raised island in the median opening, closing the opening to the west service road going south, adding a directional island along the west service road, adding a guard rail near the I-10 35-A exit ramp and adding a sidewalk along the west frontage road.

A directional raised island means cars coming from the service roads and into the highway would not be able to go across the highway — meaning a car coming from the nearby Shell station could only turn south on the highway, Johnson said, and vice versa for a car coming from the Clarke’s convenience store property.

“When they’re working in the median, only that crossover will be closed to traffic,” Johnson said, however he did mention the possibility of a single-lane highway, but “only for a short time.”

Volkert — a national engineering and environmental consultant firm with an office in Daphne — brought the Alabama Department of Transportation with the city to work together on the project.

According to the proposal, the city would only have to pay for engineering costs, while ALDOT pays for the construction costs of more than $154,600. The total project cost will be more than $200,000.

“We’re basically getting a 75-25 split on it. We’re paying 25 percent and the state is paying 75 percent,” Johnson said. “ALDOT is very interested in partnering with the city.”

The item will go before the council as a first read next Monday at 6:30 p.m. in City Hall, Johnson said.

“I think it’s something we need to take advantage of and get done,” Councilman Ron Scott said. “I guess the $48,500 will come out of reserves or somewhere else.”

Councilman Derek Boulware — who usually is steadfast on his beliefs that the city should strive to stay away from taking money from reserves — believes doing it for road improvement projects is acceptable.

“Capital projects and infrastructure, that’s where our reserves should be allocated,” Boulware said. “It is in line with what I think the city needs in order to be successful. It’s not just about enhancement; it’s about a safety issue. In my mind, it is the best use of our savings. I’m just glad we have that relationship with the state to work with the on infrastructure projects.”

Johnson also mentioned that the business owners in the area could voice their opinion and be informed on what exactly is happening.

“We are going to have a meeting next week with the affected business owners so they can see how this plan is going to affect them and they also have some thoughts on additions they would like to see to it,” he said.

In other news:

r The committee gave a favorable recommendation for accepting Thomas Industries’ bid of just under $255,000 for the 2011 Trione Sports Complex concessions and bathroom facilities project. The bid was the lowest proposed to the city.