Hoover is moving ahead toward a new $120 million interchange for Interstate 459.

The city council Tuesday approved a preliminary agreement for the interchange, to be designated Exit 9, which would be built south of the South Shades Crest road overpass.

Council President John Lyda called it a “significant step.”

“This is a project that goes back many years,” Lyda said. “But we feel like this will be on a fast track. The hard part is done. It will be another step toward connecting Ross Bridge and the Hoover Met complex, as well as Helena and Shelby County, to 459.”

Under the terms of the agreement, the city would contribute about $61 million toward the project, covering land acquisition, utility relocation and engineering, as well as 44% of the construction costs.

The state would be responsible for $59 million in construction.

Lyda said the city is in talks with Jefferson and Shelby County about funding agreements, given the potential impact of the project.

The project still needs an environmental impact study by the Federal Highway Administration.