Map courtesy of ALDOT.
A new project by the Alabama Department of Transportation spans a four-mile area from the I-459 interchange in Birmingham to Chalkville Mountain Road in Trussville.
The Alabama Department of Transportation is launching a significant infrastructure project aimed at revitalizing and expanding a segment of Interstate 59 in Jefferson County.
The approximately four-mile project will stretch from the I-459 interchange in Birmingham to Chalkville Mountain Road in Trussville. The project begins west of I-459 near Edwards Lake Road and ends north of Jefferson County 10.
Bids were scheduled to be opened in July, with a start date this fall. It is expected to be completed in the spring of 2026.
The primary goal of the project is to address the deteriorating condition of the roadway while simultaneously increasing its capacity to accommodate modern traffic demands. With the roadway originally constructed and opened to traffic in the mid-1970s, the aging infrastructure has reached a point where a comprehensive overhaul is necessary, according to ALDOT. The existing concrete substructure, overlaid with asphalt multiple times over the past five decades, is now beyond repair.
The main feature of the project is removing and replacing the existing roadway pavement. This includes both the northbound and southbound lanes, which will be reconstructed and expanded to incorporate an additional lane in each direction. The new configuration will transform the current four-lane roadway into a six-lane thoroughfare, with each lane measuring 12 feet wide and complemented by 12-foot shoulders. Notably, this expansion will occur within the existing median, ensuring that no additional right-of-way is required.
The project will also address the interchange ramps at Chalkville Mountain Road, enhancing traffic flow and safety, according to ALDOT. Additionally, slab repairs will be conducted on I-459 from the I-59 interchange to Exit 32, further improving the structural integrity and longevity of the roadway.
Both bridge decks on I-59 over Edwards Lake Road will be replaced. Intermittent lane closures on Edwards Lake Road will be necessary to facilitate this work. Comprehensive improvements will also be made to the drainage systems, roadway striping, lighting and signage.
ALDOT plans to implement staged construction, ensuring that at least one lane of traffic in each direction will remain open throughout the project’s duration. Nighttime lane closures will be scheduled during off-peak hours to reduce the impact on daily commuters.
For more information, visit i59trussville.com.
