Montgomery, Ala. – The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) broke ground on a $71 million project to widen Interstate 85 from just past the Taylor Road exit (Exit 9) eastward to just past Chantilly Parkway (Exit 11). The three‑and‑a‑half‑year effort will add additional lanes in both directions and replace four bridges that cross railroad tracks and Chantilly Parkway.
Project scope and timeline
Construction officially began yesterday, although crews have not yet arrived with the orange barrels that will mark the work zones. Before major paving begins, utility companies must relocate lines, a step that will require temporary rolling roadblocks on the interstate. ALDOT says these early‑stage moves will occur on a Sunday morning, with advance notice provided to the public.
Impact on drivers and families
Local commuters expressed a mix of patience and concern. “It’s kind of tough, so anything that would make it easier is better and anything good, it’s going to take a long time, but it’s definitely gonna be worth it,” said resident Linda Stinnett.
Matthew Carlson warned of the ripple effects on daily routines: “They’re tearing up a main highway. I don’t see people making it to work on time, getting home on time to feed their family, their children, maybe even bus delays getting back‑and‑forth to school. People are going to have to wake up earlier than they expect, and some will be upset because they aren’t getting paid for getting up extra early.”
Thomas Fritz offered a broader perspective: “Three years seems like a long time, but if you’ve ever done construction projects that big, it takes time, and they’ll probably do it in steps, so it’ll just be area after area after area and people would just have to plan a little bit ahead.”
Traffic management plan
ALDOT has outlined a traffic‑management schedule designed to minimize disruption. Lane closures will be limited to evening hours on Sundays through Thursdays, from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. The agency will notify motorists in advance of any planned exceptions.
During most of the project, drivers will be able to travel underneath the existing I‑85 bridges. However, the bridge‑replacement phase will require temporary weekend closures of Chantilly Parkway. Again, ALDOT promises advance notice before any such closures take effect.
Contractor and funding
The contract to complete the widening and bridge replacements was awarded to APAC‑Alabama, Inc., based in Birmingham. The $71 million budget reflects state funding allocations for critical infrastructure improvements aimed at supporting the region’s growing traffic demands.
What residents can do
Motorists are encouraged to stay informed through ALDOT’s website and local news outlets, which will post updates and any changes to the construction schedule. Planning alternate routes for evening commutes, especially on Sundays and weekdays after 7 p.m., can help reduce delays.
While the project will require patience, officials stress that the long‑term benefits—reduced congestion, safer travel, and modernized bridges—will serve Montgomery’s families and businesses for decades to come.
Original reporting: Alabama News Network — read the source article.
