The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) announced that construction on a major widening of Interstate 85 in Montgomery is set to begin on Monday, October 5. The project will expand the highway from two lanes to three lanes in each direction between Taylor Road and Jenkins Creek, just east of the Chantilly Parkway (Exit 11) interchange.
Key improvements and timeline
In addition to the added lane capacity, the $71 million effort includes the replacement of four aging bridges—two over Chantilly Parkway and two over the Kershaw Railroad. Chantilly Parkway itself will receive wider travel lanes and an additional left‑turn lane for drivers accessing I‑85 South, easing congestion at a busy junction.
Before full construction commences, ALDOT will conduct utility relocations using rolling roadblocks on an early Sunday morning. The exact date for these preparatory moves will be announced once confirmed.
Temporary traffic changes
During construction, drivers will encounter temporary traffic pattern adjustments at the Chantilly Parkway interchange. While left‑turn access from the interstate exit ramps will remain open, left turns from Chantilly Parkway onto the interstate entrance ramps will be restricted. Westbound traffic seeking I‑85 South will be directed to Arrowhead Drive, where a U‑turn and a temporary signal will guide vehicles back to the entrance ramp. Eastbound traffic heading north will use the existing U‑turn at Eastchase Parkway before re‑entering the highway.
Lane closures are planned for evenings on Sundays through Thursdays, from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m., with advance public notice for any exceptions. Drivers will generally be able to travel beneath the I‑85 bridges throughout most of the project, though weekend bridge‑replacement work may require temporary closures of Chantilly Parkway. ALDOT pledged to provide advance notice before any such closures take effect.
Project scope and contract
The contract for the widening and bridge‑replacement work was awarded to APAC‑Alabama, Inc., based in Birmingham. The agency estimates the project will take approximately three and a half years to complete, delivering a more reliable transportation corridor for commuters, freight operators and local businesses.
By expanding capacity and modernizing key structures, the project aims to reduce travel times, improve safety and support economic growth in Montgomery and the surrounding region. Residents are encouraged to stay informed through ALDOT’s website and local news updates as construction progresses.
Original reporting: Alabama News Network — read the source article.
