Dec. 8, 2011
ALDOT Seeks Minimal Impacts on Holiday Traffic as I-65 Concrete Project Enters Final Phases

BIRMINGHAM – Work on the Alabama Department of Transportation’s concrete pavement project on Interstate 65 will be scheduled to result in the least possible impacts through the rest of December as holiday shopping traffic and holiday travel increases.

City of Hoover Mayor Gary Ivey joined State Transportation Director John Cooper today in making the announcement in a press release from ALDOT.

The modified schedule will result in work continuing into early 2012 rather than a final push to finish the project by the end of December. This will avoid lane and ramp closures at a time when local commuter and through-traffic is extremely heavy on I-65 and on exit ramps. In addition to a modified schedule, ALDOT plans to suspend lane closures during the Christmas and New Year’s travel periods.

ALDOT’s project is replacing an aging, maintenance intensive section of I-65 from I-459 to Highway 31. The $21 million project will provide a smoother ride on this 2.34-mile section of I-65. The project also includes shoulder upgrades and replacing the exit ramps. A speed limit of 45 mph will remain in effect until the project is completed.


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Nov. 29, 2011
Progress65 in Birmingham Reschedules Lane Shift to Wednesday

Work continues on Interstate 65 as part of the Alabama Department of Transportation’s concrete pavement project in Jefferson County.

Weather permitting, beginning Wednesday, November 30 at 9 p.m., the southbound travel lane of I-65 will shift to the inside lane so work can be done to reconstruct the southbound (outside) lane. This work will consist of grading, asphalt paving and concrete paving. Work is expected to be completed by Thursday, December 1 at 5 a.m.

During this operation the southbound (inside) lane will remain open as well as the southbound contraflow lane. This will provide two southbound travel lanes.

This $21 million project is replacing the aging, maintenance-intensive segment of I-65 from I-459 to Highway 31/Vestavia. The project is part of ALDOT’s Progress on Alabama Roadways campaign to preserve critical highway infrastructure. ALDOT has branded this project Progress65, and when completed the new concrete surface will provide a smoother ride along one of Alabama’s busiest interstate corridors.

This 2.34-mile concrete pavement project is scheduled for completion around the end of 2011. The project includes shoulder upgrades and replacing the concrete roadway and ramps. A speed limit of 45 mph is in effect throughout the work zone.

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Nov. 22, 2011
Progress65 in Birmingham Prepares for Lane Shift

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Work continues on Interstate 65 as part of the Alabama Department of Transportation’s concrete pavement project in Jefferson County.

Weather permitting, beginning Monday, November 28 at 9 p.m., the southbound travel lane of I-65 will shift to the (inside) lane so that work can be done to reconstruct the southbound (outside) lane. This work will consist of grading, asphalt paving and concrete paving. Work is expected to be completed by Wednesday, November 29 at 5 a.m.

During this operation the southbound (inside) lane will remain open as well as the southbound contraflow lane. This will provide two southbound travel lanes.

This $21 million project is replacing the aging, maintenance-intensive segment of I-65 from
I-459 to Highway 31/Vestavia. The project is part of ALDOT’s Progress on Alabama Roadways campaign to preserve critical highway infrastructure. ALDOT has branded this project Progress65, and when completed the new concrete surface will provide a smoother ride along one of Alabama’s busiest interstate corridors.

This 2.34-mile concrete pavement project is scheduled for completion around the end of 2011. The project includes shoulder upgrades and replacing the concrete roadway and ramps. A speed limit of 45 mph is in effect throughout the work zone.

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November 17, 2011
Planned Lane Closures on I-459 Northbound, between the U.S.11 Interchange (Exit 32) in Trussville and the I-59 Interchange (Exit 33), for Concrete Pavement Repairs, beginning Friday night

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – ALDOT announces single and double lane closures on Interstate 459 northbound from the U.S. 11 Interchange (Exit 32) in Trussville to the I-59 Interchange (Exit 33) for concrete pavement repairs.

Weather permitting, the lane closures will begin on Friday, November 18 at 8 p.m. until Saturday, November 19, at 12 p.m. (noon) and again from Saturday, November 19 at 11 p.m. until Monday, November 21 at 5 a.m.

I-459 northbound motorists bound for I-59 northbound or I-59 southbound are encouraged to take an alternate route by exiting I-459 northbound at the I-20 Interchange (exit 29) and then proceed west along I-20 to the I-59 Route Interchange (Exit 130) and then reenter I-59 northbound or southbound, to further destinations, in order to avoid traffic congestion on I-459 Northbound.

I-20 westbound motorists bound for destinations along I-59, north of the Trussville area that would normally travel along I-459 northbound, are encouraged to take an alternate route by proceeding west along I-20 to the I-59 Route Interchange (Exit 130) and then reenter I-59 northbound or southbound, to reach further destinations.


I-20 eastbound motorists bound for destinations along I-59, north of the Trussville area that would normally travel along I-459 northbound, are encouraged to take an alternate route by proceeding west along I-20 to the I-59 Route Interchange (Exit 130) and then reenter I-59 northbound or southbound, to reach further destinations.


Please adjust arrival/departure times, observe work zone speed limits and other work zone signs, and use extreme caution in this area. ALDOT thanks motorists for their patience during this Maintenance Operation to improve Alabama’s roadways.

For additional road closure information, visit www.dot.state.al.us.

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Nov. 9, 2011
Progress65 in Birmingham Prepares for Lane Closure

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Work continues on Interstate 65 as part of the Alabama Department of Transportation’s concrete pavement project in Jefferson County.

Weather permitting, Friday, November 11 beginning at 9 p.m., the southbound (inside) lane of
I-65 will be closed to reconstruct a portion of this lane. This work will consist of grading, asphalt paving and concrete paving. Work is expected to be completed by 5 a.m., Monday, November 14.

During this operation the southbound (outside) lane will remain open as well as the southbound contraflow lane. This will provide two southbound travel lanes.

This $21 million project is replacing the aging, maintenance-intensive segment of I-65 from
I-459 to Highway 31/Vestavia. The project is part of ALDOT’s Progress on Alabama Roadways campaign to preserve critical highway infrastructure. ALDOT has branded this project Progress65, and when completed the new concrete surface will provide a smoother ride along one of Alabama’s busiest interstate corridors.

This 2.34-mile concrete pavement project is scheduled for completion around the end of 2011. The project includes shoulder upgrades and replacing the concrete roadway and ramps. A speed limit of 45 mph is in effect throughout the work zone.

Sign up for project update e-mails at progress65@dot.state.al.us.

The Progress65 web site, www.progress65.com, and toll-free project update information line, 866-888-0822, is part of the Alabama Department of Transportation’s Progress on Alabama Roadways campaign to keep travelers informed of ongoing improvements to Alabama’s interstates. Other ongoing construction includes Progress65 in Shelby County, Progress20 in Calhoun, Cleburne, St. Clair and Talladega counties, and Progress59 in Etowah County.

Motorist are urged to consider using alternate routes, adjust arrival/departure time, observe work zone speed limits and other work zone signs, and use extreme caution in this area.

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Oct. 18, 2011 ~ Rolling Roadblock on I-65 Northbound and Southbound
Blasting Operation Continues between the I‐20/59 and I‐ 65 Interchange and Walkers Chapel Road

BIRMINGHAM – Work continues on Interstate 65 as part of the Alabama Department of Transportation’s project to build an interchange to connect I-65 to Corridor X in Jefferson County.

Weather permitting, Thursday, October 20 at 1:30 p.m., blasting operations will continue on
I-65 between Daniel Payne Drive (Exit 264) and Walkers Chapel Road (Exit 267).

A rolling roadblock by Alabama State Troopers and the City of Fultondale police will slow I-65 traffic in both directions, northbound and southbound between the I-20/59 & I-65 Interchange (Exit 261) and Walkers Chapel Road (Exit 267) until blasting is complete. This will take approximately 10 minutes to complete.

In the event of inclement weather, blasting will not take place.

Once completed, Corridor X will be an interstate highway between Birmingham and Memphis, TN. The scheduled completion date on the project is 2014.

A reduced speed limit of 45 mph is in effect throughout the work zone. Motorists are requested to consider using alternate routes, adjust arrival/departure times, observe work zone speed limits and other work zone signs, and use extreme caution in this area. ALDOT thanks motorists for their patience during this construction operation to improve Alabama’s roadways.

For additional road closure information, visit www.dot.state.al.us.

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Oct. 15, 2011 ~ Progress 65 in Birmingham
Traffic Shift Ahead: ALDOT’s Progress65 Project Prepares for Traffic Change

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A major change associated with the Progess65 Concrete Pavement project will take place next week, possibly as early as Tuesday, October 18 at 8 p.m.

Weather permitting, ALDOT will shift one lane of southbound traffic to the northbound roadway. Opposing traffic will be separated by a concrete barrier. Two additional southbound (outside) lanes will be provided comprising a total of three southbound lanes. This traffic configuration will last approximately four weeks.

Three newly resurfaced lanes will be open for northbound traffic.

The $21 million project is an investment to replace the aging, maintenance intensive segment of I-65 from I-459 to U.S. Highway 31/Vestavia. The project is part of ALDOT’s Progress on Alabama Roadways campaign to preserve critical highway infrastructure. ALDOT has branded this project Progress65, and when completed the new concrete surface will provide a smoother ride along one of Alabama’s busiest interstate corridors.

This 2.34-mile Concrete Pavement project is scheduled for completion around the end of 2011. The project includes shoulder upgrades and replacing the concrete on the roadway. A speed limit of 45 mph is in effect throughout the work zone.

Sign up for e-mail project updates at progress65@dot.state.al.us.

The Progress 65 Web site, www.progress65.com and toll-free project update information line, 866-888-0822, is part of the Alabama Department of Transportation’s Progress on Alabama Roadways campaign to keep travelers informed of the continuing progress to improve the state’s interstates. Additional ongoing construction projects include Progress 65 in Shelby County, Progress 20 in Calhoun, Cleburne, St. Clair and Talladega counties, and Progress 59 in Etowah County.

Motorist are urged to consider using alternate routes, adjust arrival/departure time, observe work zone speed limits and other work zone signs, and use extreme caution in this area. ALDOT thanks motorists for their patience during this construction to improve Alabama’s interstates.

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MEDIA CONTACT
Linda Crockett
Media & Community Relations Bureau
334-242-6963
crockettl@dot.state.al.us


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10/7/2011 ~ Progress65: Exit to I-65 North from I-459 to Reopen Monday

BIRMINGHAM – The entrance ramp to Interstate 65 North from I-459 (Exit 250) is expected to reopen Monday, October 10 at noon, weather permitting. This planned reopening would result in completion of this work within the eleven days originally stated.

The Exit 250 ramp was closed to allow crews to replace a barrier wall, improve drainage structures and rebuild the ramp itself.

This ramp closure has the potential to impact up to 26,000 vehicles daily, more than the 15,000 impacted by the two previous closures. Like the previous two closures, ALDOT officials will offer alternate routes and modified traffic schedules to assist impacted drivers while construction crews work quickly to reopen the ramp.

The ramp closure is part of the $21 million project to replace the aging, maintenance-intensive segment of I-65 from I-459 to Highway 31/Vestavia. The project is part of ALDOT’s Progress on Alabama Roadways campaign to preserve critical highway infrastructure. ALDOT has branded this project Progress65, and when completed the new concrete surface will provide a smoother ride along one of Alabama’s busiest interstate corridors.

This 2.34-mile concrete pavement project is scheduled for completion around the end of 2011. The project includes shoulder upgrades and replacing the concrete roadway and ramps. A speed limit of 45 mph is in effect throughout the work zone.

Sign up for project update e-mails at progress65@dot.state.al.us.

The Progress65 web site, www.progress65.com, and toll-free project update information line, 866-888-0822, are part of the Alabama Department of Transportation’s Progress on Alabama Roadways campaign to keep travelers informed of ongoing improvements to Alabama’s interstates. Other ongoing construction includes Progress65 in Shelby County, Progress20 in Calhoun, Cleburne, St. Clair and Talladega counties, and Progress59 in Etowah County.

Motorist are urged to consider using alternate routes, adjust arrival/departure time, observe work zone speed limits and other work zone signs, and use extreme caution in this area.


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8/24/2011 ~ Progress65: Ramp Opening Ahead of Schedule - Next Ramp Closure to Begin Immediately

The ramp from U.S. Highway 31 onto Interstate 65 is expected to open Thursday evening after being totally rebuilt as part of a major interstate improvement project.

The ramp was closed at 6 p.m. last Saturday for a rebuilding process that was expected to take at least eight days. Completion in less than eight days qualifies the contractor for a bonus that will be calculated by ALDOT officials based on the exact time of re-opening.

The next phase of rebuilding will require closing the exit ramp from I-65 North to U.S. Highway 31 (Exit 252). This off-ramp is expected to close at approximately 6 p.m. Thursday in conjunction with opening the adjacent ramp to I-65. Closing the Exit 252 ramp will allow crews to replace a barrier wall, improve drainage structures and rebuild the ramp itself. Unlike the first ramp closure, there is no timeline for how long the work may take but a bonus tied to the entire project will serve as incentive to return the ramp to service as soon as possible.

Detour signs and variable message boards will help guide traffic around the closed ramp. I-65 northbound traffic seeking to use the closed ramp for access to U.S. 31 would be diverted along I-459 South to Exit 13, the U.S. 31 exit. I-459 traffic seeking to merge onto I-65 and then take the closed ramp would instead need to exit I-459 at Exit 13 to U.S. 31.

Additional ramp closures will be necessary as the project moves forward.

ALDOT’s project to replace the aging, maintenance-intensive segment of I-65 from I-459 to Highway 31/Vestavia represents a $21 million upgrade for one of Alabama’s busiest interstate corridors. ALDOT has branded this project Progress65.

This 2.34-mile concrete pavement project is scheduled for completion around the end of 2011. The project includes shoulder upgrades and replacing the concrete roadway and ramps. A speed limit of 45 mph is in effect throughout the work zone.

Sign up for project update e-mails at progress65@dot.state.al.us.

The Progress65 web site, www.progress65.com, and toll-free project update information line, 866-888-0822, is part of the Alabama Department of Transportation’s Progress on Alabama Roadways campaign to keep travelers informed of ongoing improvements to Alabama’s interstates.

Motorist are urged to consider using alternate routes, adjust arrival/departure time, observe work zone speed limits and other work zone signs, and use extreme caution in this area.


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8/18/2011 ~ Progress65 in Birmingham Prepares for First Ramp Closure

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Work continues on Interstate 65 as part of the Alabama Department of Transportation’s concrete pavement project in Jefferson County.

ALDOT’s contractor has reached a phase of work that will require the ramp from U.S. Highway 31 to Interstate 65 North to be closed for the ramp to be completely rebuilt. Weather permitting, the ramp closure will begin at 6 p.m. Saturday, August 20. The official signed detour for Highway 31 to access I-65 North is to follow Highway 31 South to I-459 North and back onto
I-65 North at Exit 250.

ALDOT estimates the ramp closure will last for eight days. ALDOT will assess a penalty against the contractor if the work takes longer than eight days. The contractor could qualify for a bonus if the work is completed in less than eight days.

Three other entrance and exit ramp closures will be necessary as the project moves forward. The schedule for those additional ramp closures has not been set, but only one closure will take place at any given time. ALDOT will announce each ramp closure in advance.

This $21 million project is replacing the aging, maintenance-intensive segment of I-65 from
I-459 to Highway 31/Vestavia. The project is part of ALDOT’s Progress on Alabama Roadways campaign to preserve critical highway infrastructure. ALDOT has branded this project Progress65, and when completed the new concrete surface will provide a smoother ride along one of Alabama’s busiest interstate corridors.

This 2.34-mile concrete pavement project is scheduled for completion around the end of 2011. The project includes shoulder upgrades and replacing the concrete roadway and ramps. A speed limit of 45 mph is in effect throughout the work zone.

Sign up for project update e-mails at progress65@dot.state.al.us.

The Progress65 web site, www.progress65.com, and toll-free project update information line, 866-888-0822, is part of the Alabama Department of Transportation’s Progress on Alabama Roadways campaign to keep travelers informed of ongoing improvements to Alabama’s interstates. Other ongoing construction includes Progress65 in Shelby County, Progress20 in Calhoun, Cleburne, St. Clair and Talladega counties, and Progress59 in Etowah County.

Motorist are urged to consider using alternate routes, adjust arrival/departure time, observe work zone speed limits and other work zone signs, and use extreme caution in this area

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4/19/2011 ~ Traffic Shift Ahead: ALDOT’s Progress65 Project Prepares for Traffic Change

The traffic shift associated with the Progess65 Concrete Pavement project, originally planned for Monday, April 18, has been rescheduled for Wednesday or Thursday evening of this week contingent on soil conditions. Visit www.progress65.com for project updates.

Weather and dry soil conditions permitting, ALDOT will shift one lane of northbound traffic to the southbound roadway. A concrete barrier will separate opposing traffic. Two additional northbound (outside) lanes will be provided comprising a total of three northbound lanes. This traffic configuration will last approximately two months.

The $21 million project is an investment to replace the aging, maintenance intensive segment of I-65 from I-459 to U.S. Highway 31/Vestavia. The project is part of ALDOT’s Progress on Alabama Roadways campaign to preserve critical highway infrastructure. ALDOT has branded this project Progress65, and when completed the new concrete surface will provide a smoother ride along one of Alabama’s busiest interstate corridors.

This 2.34-mile Concrete Pavement project is scheduled for completion around the end of 2011. The project includes shoulder upgrades and replacing the concrete on the roadway. A speed limit of 45 mph is in effect throughout the work zone.

Sign up for e-mail project updates at progress65@dot.state.al.us.

The Progress 65 Web site, www.progress65.com and toll-free project update information line, 866-888-0822, is part of the Alabama Department of Transportation’s Progress on Alabama Roadways campaign to keep travelers informed of the continuing progress to improve the state’s interstates. Additional ongoing construction projects include Progress 65 in Shelby County, Progress 20 in Calhoun, Cleburne, St. Clair and Talladega counties, and Progress 59 in Etowah County.

Motorist are urged to consider using alternate routes, adjust arrival/departure time, observe work zone speed limits and other work zone signs, and use extreme caution in this area. ALDOT thanks motorists for their patience during this construction to improve Alabama’s interstates.


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3/22/2011 ~ PROGRESS 65 Announces Northbound Lane Closure Tuesday Night Work continues on Interstate 65 as part of the Alabama Department of Transportation’s project to rebuild the original 30-year-old concrete roadbed on a busy 2.34-mile segment of Interstate 65 in Jefferson County. Contractor personnel on Tuesday, March 22 after the evening commuter period will begin setting temporary barrier rail to close the northbound lane of I-65 between mile markers 250 and 252. Weather permitting, work will continue around the clock and move into the southbound lanes so that both outside lanes will be closed by the end of the week. These outside lane closures are necessary to provide a safe zone for workers to upgrade the shoulders in preparation for the next phases of work. The inside and center lanes will remain open during this phase of work, but other lane changes will take place in the next few weeks.

Once the shoulders are upgraded, traffic will be shifted while rebuilding begins first on the northbound lanes, then on the southbound lanes. ALDOT and its contractor will make every effort to minimize traffic impacts, but this rebuilding project will result in lane closures and traffic shifts throughout the duration of the project. It will also result in the use of alternate routes while exit ramps are closed to be rebuilt. Ramp closures will be done one at a time, ranging from a maximum of eight to 14 days each.

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3/21/2011 ~ The first traffic impact associated with ALDOT’s Progress65 rebuilding project is scheduled to begin at 9 p.m. Friday, March 18, with the inside southbound lane being closed in the area where I-65 South crosses over I-459. The inside southbound lane will be closed to allow a safe zone for workers to upgrade the shoulder in that area in anticipation of future phases of work. The lane will re-open by 5 a.m. Monday for the work-week commute. Other early phases of work will result in outside shoulder upgrades on I-65 northbound and southbound, and will require the outside lane in both directions to be closed and blocked off by temporary concrete barrier walls to provide a safe work zone. Those single outside lane closures and installation of temporary barrier wall may begin as early as Sunday, March 20. Once the shoulders are upgraded, traffic will be shifted while rebuilding begins first on the northbound lanes, then on the southbound lanes. ALDOT and its contractor will make every effort to minimize traffic impacts, but this rebuilding project will result in lane closures and traffic shifts throughout the duration of the project. It will also result in the use of alternate routes while exit ramps are closed to be rebuilt. Ramp closures will be done one at a time, ranging from a maximum of eight to14 days each. Moderate delays can be expected. A speed limit of 45 mph will be strongly enforced in the Work Zone.