MONTGOMERY, AL — Governor Kay Ivey announces three major interstate projects totaling approximately half a billion dollars. The governor made the announcements at Hoover City Hall to a gathering of local officials from Shelby and Jefferson counties, state senators and representatives, federal officials, economic development officials, and others. The largest project announced is the next phase of the governor’s plans to widen Interstate 65.

“It was exciting to think about this announcement as I drove up 65 this morning, seeing the progress we are making around Clanton and the progress we have already made around Alabaster. And folks, let me tell you, this is just one of many Alabama roads benefiting from our Rebuild Alabama effort,” said Ivey in her remarks. “We are all familiar with the phrase, ‘No man left behind’. Well, Rebuild Alabama seeks to ensure we have no road, bridge, or area of our state left behind. ... Improving Alabama’s infrastructure is one of my top priorities as governor."

The governor announced the widening of Interstate 65 from Alabaster to Calera, which runs from Exit 238 to Exit 231. This project includes six bridges over rail tracks and two bridges over County Road 26. The project will be broken into three phases that will eventually be under construction all at once. This project has an estimated cost of approximately $300 million. The Shelby County Commission, city of Alabaster, city of Calera, and 58 Inc. are providing a total of $20 million in local matching funds, with the remaining funds coming from the state of Alabama.

The second largest project is the construction of a new interchange to connect Interstate 459 to Highway 150 and South Shades Crest Road in Hoover. The new Hoover Interchange will be located about one mile from the current Exit 10. The project is a City of Hoover-led initiative, totaling $120 million.

The final project will widen Interstate 59 from I-459 to Chalkville Mountain Road, a distance of about four miles. This project will provide additional capacity in this congested area and accommodate future traffic volumes, including those generated by the Birmingham Northern Beltline. This project has an estimated cost of approximately $80 million in Alabama Department of Transportation funds.

Ivey concluded her remarks recognizing the teamwork of local, state, and federal officials who have prioritized the feat to Rebuild Alabama, while expressing her optimism for the work ahead.

“We have been working a long time to make these announcements possible — projects totaling about a half a billion dollars," Ivey said. "These are wise investments to Rebuild Alabama, and I am proud to get dirt churning on these all within the year."