Monday, Congressman Mo Brooks (R-Huntsville) expressed his satisfaction with the news that Interstate 565 had begun a much-anticipated widening project.
“Work is set to begin Monday on widening I-565 from 4 to 6 lanes between Madison and I-65! This milestone has been a long time coming,” Brooks said. “I am thankful to Governor Ivey for working with me over the last several years to make this a priority for the state. Widening I-565 is an investment in the Tennessee Valley’s future that will help meet the demands of residents, business owners, and those looking to invest in North Alabama.”
Economic developer Dr. Nicole Jones told the Alabama Political Reporter, “Madison, Limestone, and Morgan counties have experienced exponential growth in recent years, the largest economic boom since the first space race, with more to come as a result of recent project announcements. An interstate with a smooth traffic flow is essential as it relates to the logistics of transporting goods from one place to another. Short commute times are also an essential part of residents’ quality of life. Thank you Governor Ivey, Congressman Brooks, and to all of the elected officials who made a proactive investment that will ‘pave the way’ for continued economic growth in north Alabama.”
Reed Construction crews are beginning putting up warning signs this week for the $14.3 million project.
The project will result in the resurfacing of about 6 miles of I-565 from just west of Exit 1 where I-565 junction with I-65 all the way to just west of Exit 7 (the County Line Road interchange). The Alabama Department of Transportation will utilize much of the existing shoulders to expand the highway to three travel lanes in each direction.
The $1.6 billion Mazda-Toyota automobile assembly plant is under construction just off of County Line Road. Polaris is also in that area as well as many other large employers. 60,000 motorists a day already use I-565 and Mazda-Toyota will mean another 4,000 motorists. This projection will reduce traffic congestion, especially during rush hours and make journeying between Huntsville and Decatur easier.
Congressman Mo Brooks is presently in his fifth term representing Alabama’s Fifth Congressional District. Brooks has previously served the area as a state representative, county commissioner, and as a prosecutor.
(Original reporting by the Madison County Record contributed to this report.)
