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

Alabaster is taking a major step toward easing local traffic woes. The Alabaster City Council recently moved to expand the County Road 87 bridge over I-65, a move that ties directly into the state’s massive push to upgrade the interstate corridor.

Boosting Local Traffic Flow

This infrastructure investment is set to add a new lane to the County Road 87 overpass. The goal is to create a seamless connection between the existing roundabout at the I-65 airport exit and the upcoming northbound I-65 loop ramp. Alabaster is collaborating with the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT), the Shelby County Highway Department, and the city of Calera to bring this vision to life.

In an official statement, the city of Alabaster noted that these improvements will be a game changer for residents and commuters, specifically by reducing congestion in a high-traffic area utilized by businesses and visitors alike. The addition of a new loop on-ramp for drivers heading onto I-65 north means fewer left-hand turns, clearing the way for those traveling toward the airport and industrial park.

A Collaborative Effort

The project is a prime example of inter-agency cooperation. While Alabaster is contributing $120,000 in local matching funds, federal grants are picking up roughly 80% of the total cost. The city of Alabaster emphasized its commitment to working with surrounding municipalities, the county, and state and federal partners to secure funding for these essential upgrades.

This work complements the broader expansion of Interstate-65 in Shelby County. The $143 million ALDOT-led project aims to widen an eight-mile stretch of the interstate from four lanes to six, reaching from Exit 238 in Alabaster down to Exit 231 in Calera. With eight bridges included in the scope of work, the entire project is on track to wrap up by the spring of 2028.