From Tribune Staff Reports
MONTGOMERY, Ala. — The first section of the Birmingham Northern Beltline (SR-959) opened to traffic on Tuesday. The 1.88-mile section between Bradford and Palmerdale in northeast Jefferson County, is the first leg of the future 52-mile I-422. Governor Kay Ivey made the announcement in a release Tuesday morning.
“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,” Ivey said. “I commend the tremendous foundational work performed by former Senator Richard Shelby, former Congressman Spencer Bachus, our current congressional delegation and the Trump Administration in making this historic day possible.”
ALDOT is now focused on the next phase with construction from the segment reaching eight miles west to US-31 in Gardendale. Current plans include awarding contracts on multiple phases in 2027.
“I am so excited to hear that the first leg of the Northern Beltline is about to open,” said Mayor Stan Hogeland, City of Gardendale/President of the Jefferson County Mayors Association. “As the mayor of Gardendale, this is a big deal for the north Jefferson community as well as Blount County. The next step will be connecting this section to Highway 31 in Gardendale. There will be countless lives saved when the first responders can shorten drive times by 20 minutes or more headed to UAB Gardendale. Also, the economic development opportunities along the route will create new jobs, additional housing opportunities as well as bringing additional visitors to our city for shopping and dining. Thank you to everyone involved for prioritizing this desperately needed highway.”
A study by the University of Alabama’s Center for Business and Economic Research showed that the Northern Beltline is expected to generate up to $1.9 billion annually in statewide economic output and support over 11,700 jobs each year once complete. It is designed to enhance cross-region accessibility and promote significant economic development along the corridor.
“I have long recognized the importance of the Northern Beltline and worked for years to help get this critical infrastructure project off the ground,” said Senator Katie Britt. “Today’s announcement is the result of the tireless work of so many state and local leaders, and I’ve been proud to work alongside them to recognize that Alabama’s economic future and regional connectivity depend on infrastructure projects like this one. This is a landmark moment for the Northern Beltline, and I look forward to supporting its continued momentum. Alabamians across our state will feel the benefits of this highway through shorter commutes, safer roads, and the economic growth that comes when we invest in the infrastructure our communities need. I’ll keep working to see this project through to completion, because Alabama deserves nothing less.”
