Recent rainfall has been slowing paving and grading work along Interstate 565, according to the Alabama Department of Transportation.

But the $41 million widening project is still expected to be completed by fall of next year. That’s not the case for another high profile road widening project in the Huntsville metro.

According to the May ALDOT report, construction on the first phase of the now $92 million U.S. 72 widening project won’t begin until Fiscal 2027.

Overall, almost $390 million in ALDOT projects are in design or construction phases in the metro area. That figure does not include improvements to the exit 13 (Resolute Way) interchange on I-565. The most recent estimate places that project’s cost at $60 million.

The ALDOT projects are being funded by a combination of federal and state money. That includes Rebuild Alabama money from gas tax revenues for road projects.

I-565 widening

The I-565 project is more than 15% complete. Crews from Wiregrass Construction are widening the interstate to six lanes from County Line Road to Wall Triana Highway, with lanes being added in the median in both directions.

The project includes widening two sets of bridges just west of exit 9 at Bradford Creek and east of the exit at Intergraph Way and the Norfolk Southern railroad. Contractors are working west to east.

U.S. 72 widening

Even though construction is still a couple of years off, plans are 90% complete for the first phase from Huntsville Memorial Gardens to Providence Main, which includes a bridge replacement. The initial phase is expected to cost $18 million. The draft environmental assessment is expected to be submitted soon.

Preliminary engineering has been authorized for the $36 million second phase from Walnut Street to Huntsville Memorial Gardens. A consultant has been hired to complete the design, with construction beginning in Fiscal 2029.

Preliminary engineering is also expected to begin later this fiscal year on the $38.2 million third phase from County Line Road to Walnut Street. Construction is expected to start in Fiscal 2030.

Northern Bypass

Utility work is underway on the $43 million Northern Bypass project. Grading work and drainage structure construction is also ongoing, with the project now about 40% complete.

The project is already spurring major development. The Huntsville City Council voted in May to take out an option to purchase 17 acres of land for a major retail development at the intersection of Memorial Parkway and the Northern Bypass. The property is near the Food City and Starbucks currently under construction in north Huntsville, with opening expected on June 28.

Other projects

• Utility relocation is underway for the second phase of the $42 million Martin Road project from Zierdt Road to Laracy Drive. Bridge foundation work is underway, as is grading and drainage work east of Bradford Creek. The second phase is 25% complete. The first phase has already been completed.
• The $44.2 million North Memorial Parkway at Mastin Lake project is 45% complete. The project includes improvements to Sparkman Drive and Winchester Road and construction of an overpass with access improvements to Winchester Road.
• Plans are 85% complete for the $15 million access management project on U.S. 231 between Weatherly Road and Hobbs Road. Rights-of-way acquisition is beginning soon. Construction is expected to start next fiscal year.
• The plans are 90% complete for the $28 million Winchester Road project from Dominion Circle to Naugher Road. Rights-of-way acquisition is ongoing. Utility relocation is expected to begin soon. Construction is expected to start next fiscal year.
• Construction is expected to begin before the end of this fiscal year on the $10 million Alabama Highway 53 project from Taurus Drive to Harvest Road. Plans are complete for the project. Rights-of-way acquisition and utility relocation are ongoing.
• The $4.2 million Madison Boulevard project from Westchester Road to Flagstone Drive is nearing completion.
• The $13.5 million widening of Jeff Road from south of Capshaw Road and north of Douglas Road is expected to begin next fiscal year. The environmental document has been approved, and plans are 85% complete. Rights-of-way acquisition is expected to begin soon.
• Construction is expected to be bid later this year for the $20.8 million Blake Bottom Road widening project from Jeff Road to Alabama Highway 255. Plans and rights-of-way acquisition are complete. Utility relocation is underway.
• Work is 75% complete on intersection improvements on Alabama 53 at Harvest, McKee and Old Railroad Bed roads.
• Preliminary engineering is underway for the $30 million Arsenal East Connector project. Construction is expected to begin in Fiscal 2028. The project will run from Bob Wallace Avenue to Gate 10 past Patton Road.
• A consultant is under contract for the Resolute Way interchange improvements. The contract cost is $1.5 million

Not included in the projects are the $8.5 million city of Huntsville street paving projects approved by the City Council earlier this month, Madison County or Madison city road projects.