New interstate interchange in Hoover gets more federal funding, reduces city costs

Hoover is set to receive a significant boost for its infrastructure plans, as city officials announced that a new Interstate-459 exit is moving forward with $16 million in fresh federal transportation support.

Strategic Growth at Mile Marker 9

The upcoming interchange will be located at I-459 near mile marker 9, positioned between the existing Exit 6 at Morgan Road and Exit 10 at John Hawkins Parkway. Situated just south of the South Shades Crest Road overpass, this project is a major component in the city’s effort to modernize regional transit.

"Exit 9 will reduce traffic congestion and improve the quality of life for our residents," said Mayor Nick Derzis. "Any resident who travels Highway 150 or Interstate 459 during the afternoon commute understands why it was worth pursuing."

Relieving Daily Congestion

With hundreds of thousands of vehicles traversing this segment of I-459 daily, the new interchange aims to divert both passenger and commercial truck traffic away from the heavily taxed Highway 150 corridor and the congested Exit 10.

The project will feature a modern diverging diamond design, auxiliary lanes leading to Exit 10, and bridge infrastructure spanning both I-459 and the CSX railroad. Additionally, the plan includes an extension of Ross Bridge Parkway from Alabama Highway 150 to Brock’s Gap Parkway at South Shades Crest Road. According to 205focus.com reporting, the bidding process for this massive undertaking is slated for late 2026.

Fiscal Relief for Hoover

The path to funding this $130.8 million project has been complex. While the city initially borrowed $61 million in 2023, rising costs had threatened to push Hoover’s financial obligation to nearly $72 million. This new infusion of federal funding, secured via an amendment to the Birmingham Metropolitan Planning Organization’s Transportation Improvement Program, lowers the city's commitment to approximately $55.9 million—about $5 million less than the original 2023 budget.

"Exit 9 has never been just a Hoover project; it’s a regional one that will improve traffic flow in several portions of Jefferson and Shelby Counties," Derzis noted. "I am grateful to the Regional Planning Commission staff and to every MPO committee member who saw the value in this investment."

Mayor Derzis, who took office in November 2025, emphasized that his administration remains focused on disciplined fiscal management. "While 100% committed to the Exit 9 project, I have been critical of the financial terms the city originally agreed to," he said. "I am pleased that, through proper planning and communication with our regional partners and the MPO, we have lowered the burden on Hoover taxpayers."