The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) officially opened the first segment of the new Birmingham Northern Beltline (SR-959) between SR-79 and SR-75 in northeast Jefferson County.
“The completion of the first phase of the Northern Beltline is a watershed moment in this transformational project critical to future economic development in Jefferson and surrounding counties,” Gov. Kay Ivey said.
The 1.88-mile section between Bradford and Palmerdale was completed early and under budget. The Northern Beltline will be the future I-422 and will run 52 miles and span from I-459 in Bessemer to I-59 in northeast Jefferson County once completed.
The roadway is designed to enhance cross-region accessibility and promote economic development. It is expected to generate up to $1.9 billion annually in statewide economic output after completion and support more than 11,700 jobs annually, according to a University of Alabama Center for Business and Economic Research study.
“ALDOT is excited about this milestone and is diligently working to ensure construction begins on the remaining legs of this transformative project in a timely manner,” DeJarvis Leonard, ALDOT East Central region engineer, said.
The Northern Beltline’s next eight miles west to US-31 in Gardendale are in the design phase. ALDOT plans to award contracts on multiple phases next year.