The Forward Together Comprehensive Plan – Jefferson County’s new long-term vision for growth and development – strongly supports the Coalition for Regional Transportation’s long-held position that completing the Northern Beltline will be a major positive for the region and the state.
Forward Together calls the Northern Beltline a “transformative infrastructure investment” that will shape Jefferson County’s future growth patterns and drive regional economic opportunity. The plan recognizes the Beltline as a critical project to “enhance access to underserved areas, foster economic development, and alleviate congestion” across the Birmingham metropolitan area.
“This comprehensive plan identifies the Northern Beltline corridor as an area of high opportunity for industrial and employment growth,” said Jefferson County Commissioner Jimmie Stephens. “As the Northern Beltline moves forward, people will see that Jefferson County had the foresight to plan for its construction. I’d like to remind some of our municipalities that they need to exhibit that same foresight because the Northern Beltline will move through many municipalities and sometimes there arises a conflict that could negatively impact its future success and the growth it will bring.”
Janet Kavinoky, chair of the Coalition for Regional Transportation, said, “Forward Together affirms what community and business leaders have long maintained – that the Northern Beltline is a strategic economic corridor that will strengthen the entire Birmingham region and position Alabama for sustained growth and improved quality of life.”
Key points from Forward Together underscore the project’s benefits:
- “This transformative infrastructure investment creates opportunities to shape development patterns that will define the region’s future.”
- “It also supports economic development in underserved areas, improves traffic safety and serves as a critical emergency and evacuation route.”
- “Northern (population) growth is expected to be impacted on the upside by the construction of the Northern Beltline, which could accelerate population growth beyond current projections.”
Fultondale Fire Chief Justin McKenzie has noted the Northern Beltline will be a big help during emergencies.
“It’s going to boost our economy, create jobs and strengthen our infrastructure. But I tell you, speaking as a first responder and as fire chief, what excites me most about the Northern Beltline is not just what it will do for our economy but what it will do for public safety. It will save lives,” McKenzie said.
Alabama’s congressional delegation secured $549 million in federal funding, which will complete the first 10-mile segment of the Northern Beltline that will connect State Route 75 to U.S. Highway 31 near Gardendale.
Once completed, the Northern Beltline will be 52-mile interstate – Interstate 422 – extending from I-59 in northeast Jefferson County to the I-459 interchange near Bessemer. This “northern loop” will help foster economic development, divert traffic around Birmingham and provide first responders with quicker access to communities.
During a tour of construction in May, Sen. Katie Britt said, “The Birmingham Northern Beltline is a crucial project not just for local communities but for our state and for the entire region.”
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