The start date for the first phase of the $85 million U.S. 72 widening project remains unclear, according to an Alabama Department of Transportation spokesman.

But the start of the $46.8 million widening of Interstate 565 may begin next spring. The two widening initiatives are among the most expensive road projects currently under construction or design in the Huntsville metro.

The total cost for the ALDOT projects in the metro is almost $432.5 million, according to a report given to the Huntsville Area Metropolitan Planning Organization at its meeting on Aug 16.

ALDOT spokesman Seth Burkett told the Lede his organization is still preparing the environmental document for the U.S. 72 project, which will eventually run from Providence Main to County Line Road.

Plans for the first phase of the project are 90% complete. The phase includes adding a lane in each direction, making U.S. 72 a six-lane highway from Providence Main to at least Nance Road.

The phase will include the replacement of bridges along U.S. 72. That is expected to be one of the costliest portions of the project.