By Gracie Johnson
More progress is being made on the Northern Beltline.
Congressman Gary Palmer, leaders of the Alabama Department of Transportation and local officials were Pinson Thursday for a tour of the Northern Beltline.
It is the largest uncompleted project in the Appalachian Development Highway System. Alabama’s congressional delegation secured $519 million in funding for construction.
"This is one of the most important infrastructure projects in the history of the state of Alabama," said congressman Gary Palmer.
The Northern Beltline will be a 52-mile interstate stretching from interstate 59 in northeast Jefferson County to the I-459 interchange near Bessemer.
Construction in Pinson, to connect SR-75 and SR-79 in Jefferson County began in June.
ALDOT anticipates the initial connection, spanning nearly two miles and including bridges, is expected to be completed in late 2026.
State and city leaders expressed their excitement towards the project, for the economic growth and community benefits, including faster first responder response times.
"When you are talking about some of the backroads people have to get to, that could be the difference between surviving and not surviving an accident or a health event," said congressman Gary Palmer.
ALDOT officials said they are planning a design meeting at the Gardendale Civic Center on August 27th to share the final design of the next phase of construction. That portion will connect US-31 and SR-79.