A $300,000 state grant will help Hartselle pay for infrastructure improvements necessitated by the new Cracker Barrel restaurant. Now, all that’s needed is a name for the road where the eatery will be located.
City officials learned Monday they would receive the $300,000 Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs grant. The money will go towards the estimated $475,000 cost of constructing a right-hand turn lane on Highway 36. A traffic study is currently being conducted to see if a left-hand turn lane is also needed, something that could drive up the final costs if state officials mandate the addition.
Mayor Dwight Tankersley said if the left turn lane is mandated, state officials said they would help cover a portion of the estimated $300,000 cost.
Site work is currently under way at the Cracker Barrel site at the Highway 36 and Interstate 65 intersection. The restaurant is expected to open in February.
While the work continues, the city is also asking for recommendations for names for the road where the restaurant will be located. Submittals are being accepted at City Hall until Aug. 20. More than 60 names have been submitted, including numerous ones to the Enquirer’s e-Sound Off site. Some of the recommendations there are: Interstate Restaurant Road, Checkerboard Square,  Ye Olde Country Store Lane, Memory Lane, Rocking Chair Lane, Good Vittles Drive, Old General Store Lane,  Fireplace Lane, Welcome to Hartselle Road, Rocking Barrel Road, Rock-A-Spell Road, Good Eats Lane, Memories For All Drive and Finally Rocking Road.