Interstate expansion projects announced for Jefferson, Shelby counties

Major interstate projects are now planned in Jefferson and Shelby counties.Governor Kay Ivey made the announcement at Hoover City Hall on Aug. 31, with local, state and federal leaders in attendance.The governor said there are three major projects coming up which include the widening of Interstate 65 in Shelby County and Interstate 59 in the Trussville area, and adding an interchange on Interstate 459 in Hoover."It was exciting to think about this announcement as I drove up 65 this morning, seeing the progress we are making around Clanton and the progress we have already made around Alabaster. And folks, let me tell you, this is just one of many Alabama roads benefiting from our Rebuild Alabama effort," said Gov. Ivey in her remarks.The biggest and most expensive project is the widening of I-65 between Alabaster and Calera.The 7-mile stretch will include work for six bridges over railroad tracks and two bridges over a county road.The project will cost about $300 million.Stay up-to-date: The latest headlines and weather from WVTM 13 The second largest project is to build a new interchange to connect I-459 to Highway 150 and South Shades Crest Road in Hoover.That project is about a mile from Exit 10 and is expected to cost $120 million.The third project will widen I-59 from I-459 to Chalkville Mountain Road and cost about $80 million."We have been working a long time to make these announcements possible – projects totaling about a half a billion dollars. These are wise investments to Rebuild Alabama, and I am proud to get dirt churning on these all within the year," said Gov. Ivey.