The Birmingham Northern Beltline Pursues Construction
Jefferson County, Ala – In the sprawling Birmingham, Alabama, drivers begin to see the first phase of Northern Beltline construction underway. The massive highway project had been paused in 2016 due to an absence of funds. Recently resumed, the construction phase now aims at building a four-lane highway to meld SR-79 with SR-75, a segment nearly two miles long.
The County Optimistic About the Beltline’s Impact
While the large-scale project garners mixed reactions from the community, many local inhabitants and frequent drivers like Daniel Sibley and Willard Ditto express their cautious optimism. Sibley, who drives by the construction site daily, is looking forward to the change, saying, “It’s great. I don’t know what it’ll do to traffic in the area, it could be good or bad. I welcome it myself because in Pinson you don’t see many cars driving around.”
Willard Ditto, a long-time Jefferson County resident since 1980, eagerly expects improvements. “It’ll be great for business, traffic, all that stuff,” he stated, recognizing the project’s potential to streamline transportation.
Project Specs and Additional Commentary
The bidding process for the project resulted in an award of $64.7 million to the least expensive applicant. Following several years of pause, the Beltline construction expects to conclude by the end of 2026. Once completely operational, the Beltline will extend to a robust 52 miles, connecting I-59 in northeast Jefferson County to the I-459 interchange near Bessemer.
However, not everyone shares the same positivity about the Beltline. A variety of comments on social media have voiced the sentiment that the project is superfluous and a waste of money. Critics argue that existing interstates require maintenance and that funding should be invested in such improvements. Yet the federal funding for this project is designated exclusively for the Northern Beltline, leaving it unavailable for other potential ventures.
The Future of Birmingham Roads
The Alabama Department of Transportation informs that the project has received significant support from over 40 cities, three counties, and multiple businesses throughout the region. Despite mixed feelings among the public, construction is now well underway. As the project strives towards enhancing transportation in Jefferson County, Alabama, the entire community eagerly awaits the influence this ambitious beltway will have on local business, traffic, and the environment.
