By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) says steady progress continues on the long-awaited expansion of Interstate 65 in Shelby County, a major infrastructure investment aimed at easing congestion and improving safety along one of Alabama’s most heavily traveled corridors.
The $143 million project will widen the four-lane stretch of I-65 to six lanes and includes the replacement of eight bridges across an eight-mile segment between Alabaster at Exit 238 and Calera at Exit 231. ALDOT’s latest update focuses on the southern portion of the project, from Exit 231 in Calera to the Shelby County Airport at Exit 234.
Three construction companies are actively working on different portions of the expansion. Dunn Construction is building the inside lane within the median, while McInnis Construction is completing grading work for the third lane between Buck Creek and Old U.S. 31.
In October, Chilton Construction shifted traffic lanes between Exit 234 and Buck Creek to begin work on the middle section of the highway. Crews are nearing completion of the stone and asphalt layers needed for the new median and inside lane.
Dunn Construction is also continuing bridge replacement work over the railroad tracks north of Exit 231, including the construction of retaining walls beneath existing structures. ALDOT plans to replace six additional bridges to accommodate the wider roadway and three-lane configuration.
While construction is centered in Shelby County, officials note the improvements will benefit motorists across the state. Interstate 65 serves as a critical north-south artery, connecting Huntsville, Birmingham, Montgomery, and Mobile, and supporting workforce mobility, tourism, and commerce throughout Alabama.
The corridor is also heavily traveled by defense and aerospace workers, including those commuting between Huntsville’s Redstone Arsenal, central Alabama, and Birmingham-area contractors. Transportation officials say reducing congestion along I-65 will improve travel reliability for military families, federal employees, and private-sector workers who depend on the route.
All three phases of the widening project are now underway. Construction began with the first phase in February, followed by the second phase in June and the final phase in October. The project is expected to be completed by spring 2028.
Gov. Kay Ivey praised the progress in a statement, saying the upgrades will “ease traffic, improve safety, and strengthen one of our state’s most vital corridors.”
“I’m proud of the progress our contractors and ALDOT are making,” Ivey said, “and I know the people of Alabama will feel the difference once this widening is complete.”