By Sumner Harrell
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBMA) — The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) announced Friday construction has begun to complete the first section of the Birmingham Northern Beltline.
ALDOT said this initial phase of construction will be a four-lane highway connecting State Route 79 and State Route 75 in Jefferson County.
In May, the bid to construct the project was awarded to McInnis Construction of Summerdale, for $64.7 million.
ALDOT said this initial connection, spanning nearly two miles and including bridges, is expected to be completed in late 2026.
When fully completed, the Northern Beltline will be a 52-mile interstate stretching from Interstate 59 in northeast Jefferson County to the I-459 interchange near Bessemer.
ALDOT said more than 40 area cities, three counties and numerous businesses throughout the region have voiced support for the Northern Beltline.