1928 Birmingham bond referendum

The 1928 Birmingham bond referendum was a public vote held on March 27, 1928 asking voters to approve the issuance of $4 million in municipal bonds to finance a grade separation project along the city's Railroad Reservation, including new underpasses at 14th Street, 18th Street and 20th Street, and a replacement of the 22nd Street Viaduct.

The plan developed by the city and approved at conference with railroad executives in Louisville, Kentucky in February, called for raising the railway by 14 feet and lowering the cross streets by 3 1/2 feet. The city would use the bonds to finance the work, with the railroads making payments for 20 years to cover half of the total cost.

Voters approved the proposal by a tally of 8,042 in favor and 4,095 opposed.

References

• "Birmingham's first 'viaduct' erected 65 years ago" (August 31, 1950) The Birmingham News, p. 20