Britt questions DOT on long-awaited $1.2 billion Birmingham interstate, ‘critical’ Gulf Coast bridge
Britt thanked Secretary Sean Duffy for his work on the I-10 Mobile River Bridge and Bayway project and Northern Beltline.
Ethan Parker 
U.S. Sen. Katie Britt, R-Ala., pushed for clarity on key Alabama infrastructure projects and manufacturing policy during a Senate subcommittee hearing this week. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Britt questioned Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy regarding the fiscal year 2027 budget request.
Focus on Gulf Coast Infrastructure
Britt utilized her time on the Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development Subcommittee to emphasize the importance of regional projects, specifically the I-10 Mobile River Bridge and Bayway project. Acknowledging Duffy's assistance, she noted the bridge is vital not just for Mobile, but for the movement of commerce across the entire Gulf Coast.
In response, Duffy committed to continued federal support for the endeavor, labeling the bridge a "critical artery" for both Alabama and the nation.
Automotive Manufacturing and Policy
The senator also took the opportunity to advocate for Alabama’s robust automotive sector, highlighting a massive $4 billion investment from Mercedes-Benz. When asked how the DOT plans to bolster such investments, Duffy pointed to regulatory shifts, explaining that the department is moving toward greater flexibility in fuel economy standards to better align with consumer market demands rather than government-mandated vehicle types.
Progress on the Northern Beltline
Beyond the coast, Britt addressed the status of Birmingham's Northern Beltline project. Once completed, the $1.2 billion, 52.5-mile project will serve as Interstate 422, finally providing the Birmingham metropolitan area with a full, connected interstate loop. Currently, Birmingham remains one of the largest cities in the United States without such a connection.
While work on the first phase kicked off in 2024 following the acquisition of $489 million in federal funding, the long-term project faces a lengthy timeline toward a 2048 completion date. The path forward includes navigating complexities near the planned site of a $14 billion data center in Bessemer, a development that has strained relations between state officials and developers.
