Major traffic relief along U.S. 72 in Huntsville and Madison is still several years away, even as multiple road projects move forward across the metro area.
U.S. 72 Widening Still Years from Construction
The most expensive project in the region is the widening of U.S. 72 from Providence Main to County Line Road, now estimated at $92.2 million. However, construction on the first $18 million phase is not expected to begin until Fiscal 2027. That segment will run from Providence Main to Huntsville Memorial Gardens and includes significant bridge work.
Meanwhile, the $36 million second phase, stretching to Walnut Street, is not scheduled to begin until Fiscal 2029. The $38.2 million third phase, extending to County Line Road, is projected for Fiscal 2030. U.S. 72 remains one of the area’s busiest corridors, carrying more than 128,000 vehicles per day west of Research Park Boulevard into Madison.
I-565 and Northern Bypass Progress
While U.S. 72 commuters wait, relief on Interstate 565 is closer. The $41.8 million widening project from Wall Triana Highway to County Line Road is about 30% complete and expected to finish this year. Crews are currently working on bridges over Bradford Creek, which may cause short-term delays.
In addition, the $43 million Northern Bypass project from Pulaski Pike to North Memorial Parkway is about 70% complete and also expected to wrap up this year. The Memorial Parkway intersection is already open and spurring nearby development. City leaders have also discussed extending the bypass east to U.S. 72 in the future.
Other Major Projects Across the Region
Several other road improvements are in various stages of progress. The $65 million Martin Road Phase II project is 65% complete, with bridge construction about 75% finished. The $44.2 million North Memorial Parkway and Mastin Lake Road overpass project is roughly two-thirds complete, though it continues to cause traffic delays.
Looking ahead, the $15 million U.S. 231 access management project is set for Fiscal 2027. The $28 million Winchester Road project is expected to begin this fiscal year, and bids were recently received for the $10 million Alabama 53 project. Meanwhile, the $13.5 million Jeff Road widening and the $20.8 million Blake Bottom Road project are advancing toward construction.
The $30 million Arsenal East Connector remains a top city priority, with construction projected for Fiscal 2028. ALDOT is also studying potential modifications to the I-565 and Memorial Parkway interchange, though final costs could reach hundreds of millions of dollars.
Finally, the separate Resolute Way interchange project is moving forward in phases. Phase one includes two miles of roadway improvements between I-565 and Redstone Gateway. Phase two will add a connector bridge across I-565 linking Resolute Way to Governors West. City officials estimate the full project could cost around $60 million.
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