Alabaster’s $120,000 road project near I-65 should ‘greatly improve traffic,’ officials say

Alabaster is moving forward with a key infrastructure upgrade designed to ease the commute for local drivers. The Alabaster City Council recently greenlit plans to widen the County Road 87 bridge over I-65, a strategic move that aligns with the Alabama Department of Transportation’s larger interstate expansion efforts.

Improving Traffic Flow

The project focuses on adding a new lane to the County Road 87 overpass. This addition will link the current roundabout at the I-65 airport exit to a new, planned northbound loop ramp. This design adjustment is specifically aimed at eliminating the need for drivers entering I-65 north to turn left across traffic heading toward the local industrial park and airport.

According to a statement from the city of Alabaster, these improvements are expected to significantly boost traffic operations and reduce congestion for the many residents, visitors, and businesses that rely on this corridor daily.

A Collaborative Effort

The financial backing for this upgrade is a team effort. Federal funds are covering 80% of the project expenses, while the city of Alabaster is contributing $120,000 in local matching funds. The project is being executed in partnership with the Alabama Department of Transportation, the Shelby County Highway Department, and the city of Calera.

This work complements the ongoing expansion of Interstate-65 in Shelby County, a massive $143 million initiative to widen the interstate from four to six lanes across an eight-mile stretch between Alabaster’s Exit 238 and Calera’s Exit 231. That broader project, which includes the replacement of eight bridges, is slated for completion by Spring 2028.

As the city of Alabaster noted in its statement, prioritizing these partnerships at the local, state, and federal levels is essential for delivering these critical infrastructure upgrades for the community.