Midland City Receives New Traffic Light Through Public-Private Partnerships

Several public offices and private companies worked together to bring a new traffic light to Midland City in Dale County, Alabama. The light will be installed at the intersection of Mance Newton Road and U.S. Hwy 231 in early 2027, but the traffic studies, funding applications, and permitting are all complete. This is the result of a multi-year effort with local industry advocating for infrastructure improvements.

“The cooperation between all of the parties was a great team effort,” says Holle Smith, President of the Ozark-Dale County Economic Development Corporation (EDC). “We are improving a major corridor for both trucks and tourism. We are bringing new people to our communities, but also making it safer for everyone who lives here.”

This effort was a partnership between Michelin North America, Averitt Express, Lewis Aggregate, Skipper Consulting, Three Notch Group, The City of Midland City, Ozark-Dale County EDC, and the Dale County Commission.

The new stoplight will make the intersection safer for trucks entering and exiting the highway by reducing the risk of high-speed collisions.

Three Major Employers Benefit from the Traffic Light

The need for a new stoplight in Midland City became apparent in early 2024, shortly after Averitt Express had expanded to a larger facility outside of Dothan. Averitt was the third company to move to that intersection, sharing space with Michelin North America and Lewis Aggregate. Each of these businesses uses large trucks that require a well-functioning, safe intersection.  

The companies immediately worked together to share the cost of a traffic study to prove the need for a traffic light. The study found a strong need for the light. In Fall 2025, Michelin North America and Averitt Express paid for the preliminary engineering ahead of an application for an ALDOT ATRIP II grant. These engineering efforts were designed to speed up the process and increase the chances that the grant would be approved.

The grant application was submitted in late 2025 and was approved in early 2026. The project will receive $1,560,000 from the State of Alabama.

Dale County Continues to Invest in Local Infrastructure

While the local governing bodies and private companies worked to secure the traffic light grant, Dale County continued to invest in infrastructure around the intersection. In Summer 2024, it received $180,000 in grant funds from the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) to improve the county road used by Averitt.

While the new traffic light addresses a safety issue, it is also an investment in economic development. Better roads and safety infrastructure can attract companies to Dale County in the future. The evidence of collaboration and support from government leaders highlights how Midland City and the surrounding towns are a good place to do business.

“A traffic light allows the existing industries to operate safely while creating opportunities for more businesses to come to that intersection,” says Smith. “It makes the community safer while driving industry in the region.”

The project is currently seven months ahead of a typical traffic light installation schedule.

The Traffic Light Prepares Midland City for Growth

Midland City is the sponsor of the project and will be responsible for maintaining the light in the future. Not only is this intersection valuable to major employers of Dale County, but it also prepares Midland City for the future.

“Midland City is growing,” says Smith. “As Dothan continues to expand, it is pushing into Midland City. The intersection is in an excellent location between Midland City and Dothan.”

Midland City is home to Wallace Community College, which works closely with local employers to develop education and training programs. New companies moving to Midland City can work with the local college to train and upskill workers for their facilities. 

Explore Other Collaboration Efforts in Dale County

Dale County has several strong public-private partnerships that are helping to grow the region. Keep up with the latest news in the area to see how this region of Southeast Alabama is thriving. Contact the Ozark-Dale County EDC to discuss potential projects or opportunities for your business. We can work together to bring your business here or help you expand within the region. Call us today.