Does I-65 need a new exit in north Alabama? Huntsville spending $195,000 to answer the question
Alternative could alleviate congestion at I-565 interchange.
Chloe Mitchell 
Huntsville is taking a proactive step toward easing regional traffic congestion in Limestone County, greenlighting a $195,000 contract to study the feasibility of a new interstate interchange. As reported by 205focus.com, the city aims to address the growing pressure on the I-65 and I-565 corridor by exploring new infrastructure solutions.
Mapping a Path Forward
The Huntsville City Council has partnered with Skipper Consulting to conduct an Interchange Access Request Study. This project will evaluate the stretch of Interstate 65 between Exit 340—the current I-565 interchange—and Exit 347, which serves Huntsville-Brownsferry Road. The study must satisfy strict requirements set by the Alabama Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration.
City Urban and Economic Director Shane Davis emphasized that the existing I-65 and I-565 junction is a major bottleneck for the region, including travelers from Athens, Decatur, and Limestone County. While upgrading the current interchange would be a massive, multi-hundred-million-dollar undertaking, the city is eyeing a more cost-effective alternative. A new mid-point interchange could carry a price tag between $30 million and $40 million, potentially serving as a vital link for the expanding western industrial corridor near Mazda Toyota.
Strategic Growth and Infrastructure
The study will analyze future traffic volumes to determine the optimal location for a new interchange, with potential connections to Mooresville Road and Greenbrier Parkway to the east, and U.S. 31 and the Tanner area to the west. While Huntsville is spearheading the effort, Davis noted that the city likely would not be responsible for the actual construction, aiming instead to secure federal and state approval to lock the project into official transit systems.
This initiative aligns with the city's broader efforts to manage rapid development. Last year, the Planning Commission approved a master plan developed by the City’s Planning Department to accommodate a surge in jobs, advanced manufacturing, and residential housing in Limestone County. District 5 City Councilman John Meredith praised the progress, noting that the city is working hard to get ahead of the curve before functional traffic failure occurs.
