Pelham Daily Brief: Rail Project, Shredding Day, and Court Time

Here’s what’s happening around Pelham as of Saturday, February 7, 2026.

Railroad crossing project moves ahead

A major rebuild of the railroad crossings along Shelby County Road 52 is moving from planning to action after federal officials formally locked in a large grant for the work. City leaders say the funding allows design, environmental review, and right‑of‑way efforts to begin in earnest.

The plan will eliminate two at‑grade rail crossings at County Road 52 and Lee Street, add a bridge over the tracks, and rework the junction with U.S. 31 to ease backups. Most of the roughly $52 million price tag will come from federal dollars, with a local sales‑tax increase helping cover the city’s share. Construction is expected closer to the end of the decade but officials emphasize that the key financial hurdle is now cleared.

Free spring shredding and e‑recycling event set

The city has scheduled its next free document shredding and electronic recycling day for Saturday, April 4, from 9 a.m. to noon at City Hall. Residents will be able to drive through, drop off up to six boxes of paper for on‑site shredding, and dispose of many common household electronics.

Standard office paper, folders, and envelopes will be accepted, while televisions are excluded and some electronic items carry small fees. The city plans to hold a second shredding and e‑recycling day in early October, giving households two chances this year to clear out sensitive documents and outdated devices.

Valentine’s tennis social at Pelham Racquet Club

The Pelham Racquet Club is planning a Valentine’s Day Tennis Social on Saturday, February 14, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Players will rotate through casual doubles matchups designed to mix skill levels and help neighbors meet on the courts.

The event is open to adults and juniors. Registration is $25 for members and $30 for nonmembers, and includes light refreshments after play. Space is limited, so the club is urging early sign‑ups.

Community notes

Families capped the week Friday evening at the Mother‑Son Blue Jean Ball, a Neon Nights‑themed dance at the Pelham Senior Center. This morning, trail runners and walkers gathered at Oak Mountain State Park for a doughnut‑themed 5K, adding some sweetness to a chilly February start.

Sources

• https://pelhamalabama.gov/m/newsflash/home/detail/1644
• https://pelhamalabama.gov/m/newsflash/home/detail/1645
• https://pelhamalabama.gov/m/newsflash/home/detail/1646
• https://pelhamalabama.gov/852/Special-Events
• https://www.wvtm13.com/article/pelham-railroad-crossing-project-set-ease-traffic-delays/70256363
• https://allevents.in/pelham-al/oak%20mountain%20state%20park