Alabama State Route 116 Explained

State:AL
Type:AL
Route:116
Map Custom:yes
Length Mi:9.482
Length Ref:[1]
Established:1963
Direction A:West
Terminus A: north of Emelle
Direction B:East
Terminus B: at Gainesville
Counties:Sumter
Previous Type:AL
Previous Route:115
Next Type:AL
Next Route:117

State Route 116 (SR 116) is a 9.482adj=midNaNadj=mid state highway in Sumter County in the western part of the U.S. state of Alabama.

Route description

Alabama State Route 116 begins at its intersection with State Route 17, north of Emelle, and runs as a two-lane highway. It connects the northern half of Sumter County with Greene County and passes through rural areas without crossing any towns until it reaches Gainesville, where it ends at an intersection with State Route 39.

History

Established in 1963, it was created as a replacement for the former Sumter County Route 26. The route connects State Route 17 near the town of Emelle with State Route 39 in Gainesville, passing through mostly rural areas without intersecting any major towns along the way. SR 116 serves as a connector road, facilitating local travel between these state routes in the northern part of Sumter County.

The highway is a simple two-lane road for its entire length, and it is part of Alabama’s state highway system maintained by the Alabama Department of Transportation. Alabama State Route 116 also connects to a site of historical significance in Gainesville. At its junction with State Route 39, it passes the Gainesville Historic District, which includes a mid-19th century bandstand and park. This area, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, served as a community gathering spot for events like concerts and political rallies. The district is noted for its Greek Revival architecture, reflecting the cultural heritage of the region.[2]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Milepost Maps . Alabama Department of Transportation . Alabama Department of Transportation . April 23, 2011 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20110727134739/http://aldotgis.dot.state.al.us/milepostinternet/default.aspx . July 27, 2011 .
  2. Web site: Park and Bandstand S. of junction of Alabama 116 (State Street) and Alabama 39 (McKee Street) .