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Interstate 59 in Alabama

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This article is about the section of Interstate 59 in Alabama. For the entire route, see Interstate 59.
Interstate 59 marker
Interstate 59
Map
I-59 highlighted in red
Route information
Maintained by ALDOT
Length241.36 mi[1] (388.43 km)
ExistedAugust 14, 1957[2]–present
HistoryCompleted June 2, 1980[3]
NHSEntire route
Major junctions
South end I-20 / I-59 at the Mississippi state line west of Cuba
Major intersections
North end I-59 at the Georgia state line northeast of Hammondville
Location
CountryUnited States
StateAlabama
CountiesSumter, Greene, Tuscaloosa, Jefferson, St. Clair, Etowah, DeKalb
Highway system
  • Alabama State Highway System
← SR 58→ SR 59

Interstate 59 (I-59) is a part of the Interstate Highway System that runs 445.23 miles (716.53 km) from Slidell, Louisiana to just outside of Wildwood, Georgia. In the U.S. state of Alabama, I-59 travels 241.36 miles (388.43 km) from the Mississippi state line near Cuba to the Georgia state line northeast of Hammondville. It serves as the main Interstate Highway connecting the cities of Tuscaloosa, Birmingham, and Gadsden. For more than half of its length in the state, I-59 runs concurrently with I-20. Past the routes' split in eastern Birmingham on their way to Georgia, I-20 takes a shorter path through Birmingham's eastern suburbs and the southern foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, while I-59 follows a longer route through the city's northern suburbs and over the mountains on its way to Gadsden.

Of the four states which I-59 covers, the segment in Alabama is the longest and accounts for more than half of its entire length overall.[4][5] The Interstate parallels the older U.S. Route 11 (US 11) corridor for its full extent within the state. I-59 was first signed into the Interstate Highway System in 1957, and construction began in 1960. The portions of the highway were completed slowly, with the very last segment being opened in 1980. Since then, many projects have been undertaken on I-59 to relieve congestion within the metropolitan areas it passes. The Interstate has three auxiliary routes: I-359 in Tuscaloosa, I-459 within the Birmingham metropolitan area, and I-759 in Gadsden.

Route description

[edit]

Like all other Interstate, U.S., and state highways in Alabama, I-59 is a part of the National Highway System for its entire length in the state. Annual average daily traffic along the Interstate varied, with the busiest stretch of the Interstate being the concurrency with I-20 at the SR 79 interchange east of Birmingham, carrying a total of 150,954 vehicles in 2023.[6] The lowest amount was 15,342 vehicles in northeastern DeKalb County near the Georgia state line.[6]

Mississippi to Birmingham

[edit]
I-20 westbound/I-59/US 11/SR 5 southbound heading out of Birmingham

I-20/I-59 enters Sumter County, Alabama from Lauderdale County, Mississippi near the town of Cuba. Immediately upon entering the state, the highway approaches the welcome center for eastbound/northbound travelers and then reaches an interchange for indirect access to US 80. Continuing on through rural forest land, I-20/I-59 crosses the Toomsuba Creek with an interchange shortly after for SR 17 for York at milepost 8. The Interstate travels still in a northeast direction for another 9 miles (14 km) before crossing the Sucarnoochee River and meeting SR 28 for Livingston. It treks on for several more miles through wooded areas, crossing the Tombigbee River and entering Greene County. The highway passes by several marshes for a fair distance and approaches a rest area only accessible northbound, with the southbound rest area immediately following. The Interstate next has an interchange with SR 14 northwest of Eutaw with an interchange for US 11/US 43 also serving the city. I-20/I-59 crosses the Buck Creek before entering Tuscaloosa County. Still within forested terrain, the Interstate meets with SR 300 and stays in a northeast direction while skirting by more marshes before bridging the Black Warrior River. The highway turns almost entirely eastward and approaches the commercial developments of Tuscaloosa. Its first interchange is with SR 69 and I-359 for the University of Alabama at a partial cloverleaf interchange (parclo) and turns completely east to enter the city center. At milepost 73, I-20/I-59 meets US 82 (McFarland Boulevard) for downtown. It then has another interchange with US 11 (Skyland Boulevard) at a single-point urban interchange.[7][8][9][10]

I-20 eastbound/I-59 northbound approaching the I-65 interchange near Birmingham

The surroundings return to wilderness as I-20/I-59 continues eastward and meets US 11 again at a parclo interchange at milepost 79 for Cottondale. Shortly thereafter, the Interstate approaches a rest area accessible in both directions. The Interstate continues through some industrial development with a Daimler Truck North America station to the north of it. Immediately, the highway slants northeast and crosses the Hurricane Creek. It then skirts around the shoreline of Gallant Lake as it intersects US 11/SR 5. This time, however, US 11 and SR 5 begins a concurrency with the Interstate Highways as they slant northeast from a north direction yet again. The highway turns even more northeast to intersect with SR 216 as it enters forested land again and cuts into Jefferson County. From here, I-20/I-59/US 11/SR 5 continues in a northeastward track before meeting the southern terminus of I-459 in Bessemer at a trumpet interchange, with I-459 branching east to serve the southern suburbs of Birmingham. Two miles (3.2 km) later, US 11/SR 5 splits off at Academy Drive to serve downtown Bessemer as I-20/I-59 maintain their northeastward track whilst bypassing Bessemer in the process. The highway turns slightly and then more northward to bridge the Valley Creek as it passes along the west side of Bessemer. Turning back northeast and then entirely east, I-20/I-59 enters the developments of Birmingham and passes some of the city's neighborhoods such as Ensley, Belview Heights, and Central Park. It then turns fully eastward and meets US 78 (Arkadelphia Road) at milepost 123. Reaching milepost 124, I-20/I-59 meets I-65 at a large braided interchange. This stretch is most commonly referred to as "Malfunction Junction".[11] Past this interchange, the road turns southeast for a view of the Birmingham skyline before the road angles northeast for another large interchange with US 31 and the western terminus of US 280 (Elton B. Stephens Expressway) which serves the downtown area and the southern suburbs. After exiting downtown but still heading through urbanized development, I-20/I-59 intersects SR 79 (Tallapoosa Street) and then the highway turns southeast again for an interchange for the Birmingham–Shuttlesworth International Airport. After this interchange, I-59 ends its 130-mile (210 km) concurrency with I-20 at exit 130, which heads southeast for Atlanta.[7][10][12]

Birmingham to Georgia

[edit]
I-59 northbound at the SR 23 interchange

Having separated from I-20, I-59 stays in a generally northeastward track as it continues through the city's suburban developments. Its next three interchanges are all northbound-only as it has another interchange with US 11 (1st Avenue) and turns east. The Interstate has an indirect connection with SR 75 as it gently ascends a steep incline and enters the Cahaba River watershed whilst passing over US 11 (Gadsden Highway) without directly intersecting it. Next, I-59 turns back to the northeast and meets the northern terminus of I-459 near Trussville as it leaves the developments of Birmingham and enters forested land again. It continues through the forest for 4 miles (6.4 km) and reaches the main exit for Trussville while bypassing Grayson Valley and Chalkville to the southeast. Turning back east again, I-59 bridges the Cahaba River and quickly slants northeast as it has another interchange with indirect access to US 11 and then enters St. Clair County. I-59 passes through more wooded areas before intersecting with SR 174 for Odenville while avoiding Springville to the southeast. It makes another turn to the east for an interchange with SR 23. The direction of the Interstate slants northeast again as it bridges a small stream and passes the shoreline of Pinedale Lake and near Pinedale Shores. The northbound lanes reach a rest area. A brief distance later, I-59 reaches an intersection with US 231 for Ashville as the Interstate bypasses the city to the north. Continuing northeast, the surroundings of the Interstate remain rural and the Interstate next bridges the Dry Creek before entering Etowah County. At milepost 181, I-59 meets SR 77 at a parclo interchange and approximately a mile later, enters the city of Gadsden and intersects the western terminus of I-759 at a tri-stack interchange.[7][12][13][14]

I-59 northbound meeting SR 77 in Gadsden

Shortly thereafter, I-59 crosses the Big Wills Creek as it enters the city of Attalla and some suburban development. It intersects US 278/US 431 (Fifth Avenue) for downtown and makes a turn to the northwest, then the northeast. As the Interstate skirts the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, I-59 briefly parallels SR 211 for approximately 5 miles (8.0 km) before intersecting it at milepost 188. The Interstate stays in a northeast direction, then makes a gentle curve to the northwest again where it continues to travel below the foothills of the mountains and crosses over US 11 indirectly for the second time. The Interstate makes a turn back to the northeast and parallels the Big Wills Creek for 8 miles (13 km). During this time, it enters its final county in the state, DeKalb County. At milepost 205, it has an interchange with SR 68 for Collinsville. Bypassing Collinsville to the west, I-59 keeps its northeast trek and once again parallels the Big Wills Creek. I-59 then approaches the commercial developments of Fort Payne as it reaches its next interchange with SR 35 for the downtown area and Pine Ridge. I-59 avoids Fort Payne to the west and immediately after, parallels Isbell Field to the west then crosses a small stream before meeting with US 11 for the last time. I-59 makes a turn to the north and crosses the Big Wills Creek yet again as it reaches an interchange for indirect access to US 11. It crosses underneath the bridge carrying US 11 and makes another curve to the northeast. The Interstate travels through forested land for a few more miles before entering a small amount of development near the town of Hammondville and intersecting SR 40/SR 117 for the center of town. I-59 heads north and a bit northeast where it makes a very gentle descent along the foothills of the mountains. The final interchange it has is at milepost 239 at Sulphur Springs Road with indirect access to US 11 and the southbound lanes have an exit for the welcome center before I-59 exits Alabama into Dade County, Georgia.[7][13][14][15]

History

[edit]

Planning and construction

[edit]
I-59 was originally proposed to run to Nashville and not Chattanooga in the 1955 plan.

The general alignment for the freeway that would eventually become I-59 was included in the National Interregional Highway Committee's report from 1944, titled Interregional Highways, and the subsequent 1947 plan produced by the Public Roads Administration, which was part of the now-defunct Federal Works Agency.[16][17] When I-59 was first established in the 1957 numbering plan designated by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, its proposed route was roughly the same as it travels today, as it would run from Chattanooga, Tennessee, to Meridian, Mississippi. As part of the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956, Alabama was able to have 137.8 miles (221.8 km) of Interstate Highways under construction in the state. I-59 was one of these Interstate Highways planned to be built, with its route instead being planned to run from Nashville to New Orleans.[18] The first section of I-59 became under construction in 1959, which was the segment from Argo to St. Clair Springs. Other projects included grading and drainage from St. Clair Springs to Whitney, a distance of 9.362 miles (15.067 km). As a result, the planned routing of I-59 would run parallel to US 11, and the four-laned section of US 11 in Bessemer would be converted into an interstate-standard freeway, later I-59. While I-59 was planned to go through the center of Birmingham, residents objected to it. As a result, the city proposed an alternate route for the Interstate Highway to travel north of the Birmingham airport instead of directly through the city which would provide a faster, wider way to Gadsden and points north of it, thus rerouting the Interstate back to Chattanooga.[19]

Two projects for I-59 went into play on November 22, 1960, with both projects being in DeKalb County. The first project involved 10.1 miles (16.3 km) of base and concrete pavement from US 11 near downtown Fort Payne to Rodgers as part of the Birmingham-Chattanooga link. The contractor for this stretch was Southern Roadbuilders Inc. from Augusta, Georgia at an estimated cost of $2.34 million (equivalent to $18.5 million in 2023[20]). The other project, also in DeKalb County, had a length of approximately 6.546 miles (10.535 km) of base and concrete pavement from Rodgers Road to the Georgia state line, with the contractor here being Claussen-Lawrence Construction Co. from Augusta. This stretch had a cost of about $1.6 million (equivalent to $12.6 million in 2023[20]) and was also part of the Birmingham-Chattanooga link.[21] 1961 saw another two bidding projects be performed. In Tuscaloosa County, I-59 required grading and drainage from Boyd Crossing to Union Church, a distance of 4.9 miles (7.9 km) and part of the Birmingham-Meridian link. In Etowah County, grading and drainage structuring were performed from US 11 to the DeKalb county line, a distance of 5.4 miles (8.7 km).[22] Lastly, also in DeKalb County, work also included 0.087 miles (0.140 km) of bridges from the Etowah county line to SR 68, with an estimated cost of $292,698 (equivalent to $2.31 million in 2023[20]), and the contractor for this project was The Scott Company from Opelika.[23]

On May 20 to May 26, 1962, in observance of National Highway Week, the Alabama Department of Transportation, then known as the State Highway Department scheduled an aerial press tour of I-59 from Sulphur Springs to the Georgia state line. Construction of I-59 was moving along at a fast pace due to warm spring weather.[24] Construction on I-59 continued in December, where in DeKalb County it totaled up to $7.8 million. According to a report released by governor John M. Patterson and highway director Sam Englehardt, construction along I-59 added up to 75% of DeKalb County's $10.4 million program since January 1959. Approximately 22 miles (35 km) from Fort Payne to the Georgia state line were open to traffic. Foundation and paving costed up to $6 million for completion, with additional $1.8 million from the Etowah county line to Collinsville. The work included one interchange, one creek bridge, as well as first stages of construction on the roadbed for four lanes.[25] By July 6, 1965, a "determined effort" to speed up construction of 2.9 miles (4.7 km) along I-59 in Ensley was scheduled to be put under contract, according to a State Highway Department official. Assistant Division Engineer Randolph Rowe announced that the project, which was estimated to cost over $5 million, would be the largest contract along an Interstate let to date in Jefferson County. With this in the plan, Rowe also said that paving along two sections of I-59 in the Western area was also expected to begin in the same year. A link with an approximate length of 1.6 miles (2.6 km) between Avenue V to Arkadelphia Road, another 1.6-mile (2.6 km) section from Avenue I to Avenue V, and a link with an approximate length of 0.5 miles (0.80 km) with a link of Arkadelphia Road over US 78.[26]

I-59 in 1972, with the Birmingham skyline in the background

On August 19, 1966, the State Highway Department accepted bids on three Birmingham projects, one of which also included a multi-million dollar section of the Interstate in the western portion of the city. This link would run 3.2 miles (5.1 km) from Avenue I to the TCI Highline Railroad west of Fairfield and would connect with another 3.6 miles (5.8 km) under construction as well eastward to Arkadelphia Road. This bid was submitted by M.R. Thomason Contractors and Thomason and Associates of Montgomery at a cost of $6.066 million.[27] By 1967, with over 432 miles (695 km) complete in the state, I-59 was the longest stretch of completed highway in the state, from Leeds to the Georgia state line. This stretch of the Interstate was a length of 94 miles (151 km) and connected Birmingham to Chattanooga, Tennessee. Although I-59 had the fewest miles completed in the state, the state projected to complete the Interstate in 1971. Because most of the route travelled through rural areas in the western part of the state, this presented fewer problems for builders compared to urban areas. In addition, the large interchange with I-65 was slated for completion by at least 1969.[28] On June 7, 1970, a segment of I-59 in Birmingham received grading, draining, paving, and new bridges, while a segment of it in Tuscaloosa between the US 82 bypass and Bessemer also went into effect. Additionally, in Tuscaloosa, another project required repairing slide areas along the Interstate.[29]

Paving contracts for I-59 were let on October 21, 1971. These contracts costed up to $17 million and was the first bidding for highway projects since George Wallace took office as governor. The projects included Greene and Tuscaloosa counties between Knoxville and the Warrior River with a cost of $1.548 million and from the Tombigbee River to Lizzieville for paving, grading, draining, and adding new bridges, with an estimated cost of $7.1 million.[30] On August 7, 1972, a stretch of I-59 reopened to traffic after the pavement in this stretch collapsed in the southbound direction, with a distance of 2 miles (3.2 km) from Collinsville to Reece City. This was due to heavy rains in March washing out the stretch, weakening the road and causing it to do so. Because of this, southbound traffic was temporarily redirected along the northbound lanes. The stretch of I-59 also was cut along the side of a mountain and southbound traffic would have to be wary of a steep drop along the side of the road.[31] The opening of a section of I-59 in Tuscaloosa from US 82 (McFarland Boulevard) to SR 69 commenced on October 19, 1973, with a cost of $4.3 million by George Wallace.[32] On June 28, 1974, a 9-mile (14 km) stretch connecting Tuscaloosa and Fosters opened to traffic. Wallace announced that this stretch of I-59 would give the state as a whole 713 miles (1,147 km) of Interstate Highways.[33] In 1975, bids totaling $24 million were received by the State Highway Department, with $12 million on I-59 in Bessemer.[34] On June 2, 1980, the last four miles (6.4 km) of I-59 were completed and were officially opened to the public with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, allowing drivers to travel 241 miles (388 km) between both ends of the segment of I-59 uninterrupted.[35][36]

Later history

[edit]

"Malfunction Junction"

[edit]
Approaching Malfunction Junction on I-20 westbound/I-59 southbound

The interchange of I-20/I-59 and I-65 in Birmingham, commonly referred to residents and travelers as "Malfunction Junction", has seen a continuous push to be reconstructed. This interchange was criticized by many for requiring drivers to shift multiple lanes across the interchange. Also, numerous tight turns and sharp curves resulted in this interchange not meeting Interstate Highway standards. As a result, these problems led to a large increase in lane changing errors, vehicle accidents, massive congestion, and long delays. The interchange was originally designed to carry approximately 80,000 vehicles, but as of 2018, carried up to 160,000, more than double the amount it was intended to hold.[37] Because of this, the interchange started showing signs of deterioration, age, and the constant repairs of bridge rails and decks. Originally, ALDOT proposed several options in order to remedy traffic, such as placing I-20/I-59 on a separate 2.5-mile (4.0 km) corridor to intersect I-65 at a different interchange, but would have required construction of a 16-lane Interstate through the neighborhoods of Birmingham. After several failed proposals, ALDOT finally decided that the last option was to rebuild the interchange altogether. The project is currently going on in two phases. Phase 1 involved bridge and roadway improvements along I-65, Phase 2 included bridge additions and repairs, grading, draining, pavement, striping, and lighting. The project currently is in the second phase.[37]

The junction is also notable for trucks continuously destroying the overpasses to the Interstates. On January 5, 2002, a tanker truck carrying gasoline smashed the bridge to I-65 southbound. A car swerved in front of it to avoid missing its exit, resulting in the truck swerving away to avoid rear-ending the car, hitting the bridge head on. The truck, carrying over 9,900 US gallons (37,000 L) of fuel, exploded in a fireball, which was estimated to reach temperatures of at least 2,000 °F (1,090 °C). This produced a large explosion of fire and heat, resulting in the girders sagging up to 10 feet (3.0 m) on one of their sides. Although only the driver was killed, 140,000 vehicles were cut off from access to the interchange and ALDOT was forced to take action instantly. 37 days later, the bridge was reopened to traffic.[38] In October 2004, another tanker truck also carrying fuel sped through a tight curve and crashed, resulting in a spill of 9,000 US gallons (34,000 L) of fuel, causing it to burn. It was the second accident to occur in less than three years.[39] In December 2004, some ideas rose for trying to reduce accidents at the interchange. One of them included flashing lights on all Interstate ramps, cameras to detect speeders and unstable truckers, and a possible law requiring truckers to secure their loads. In the meantime, warning lights that flash when vehicles drive through ramps going too fast would be eventually placed in approximately two or four months with federal aid.[40] In 2018, I-20/I-59 was closed for 14 months in order to completely reconstruct the interchange with new vertical columns which replaced the old elevated portions that traveled through the city's main district.[41]

Trussville reconstruction

[edit]

A project designed to reconstruct and expand a 4-mile (6.4 km) segment of I-59 from the I-459 interchange in northern Birmingham to Chalkville Mountain Road in Trussville was announced in 2022. On October 17, 2024, the project was started in order to address issues that occur with the roadway's aging and deterioration. ALDOT announced that the project would help bring I-59 to modern standards and help increase traffic capacity. The project involves completely removing and replacing the existing pavement, with both directions being adjusted to add an extra lane, resulting in the Interstate expanding from four lanes to six. The lanes will measure 12 feet (3.7 m) in width and contain 12-foot (3.7 m) shoulders.[42] The construction is expected to take just under two years, and has an estimated cost of approximately $70 million.[43] The lanes are projected to be completed in 2026, with two lanes available to use during the day, and one during the night.[44]

Exit list

[edit]
CountyLocationmi[45]kmExitDestinationsNotes
Sumter​0.00.0

 I-20 west / I-59 south – Meridian		Continuation into Mississippi
Cuba0.8041.2941

 To US 80 east (SR 8 east) – Cuba, Demopolis
​3
 I-85 north – Montgomery		Proposed interchange; future southern terminus of I-85[46]
York8.04112.9418 SR 17 – York
Livingston17.05927.45417 SR 28 – Livingston, Boyd
​23.14137.24223
 CR 20 to SR 39 – Gainesville, Epes
GreeneBoligee32.22951.86832 CR 20 – Boligee, West Greene
Eutaw40.76665.60740 SR 14 – Aliceville, Eutaw
​45.33472.95845 CR 208 – Union
Knoxville52.24484.07952 US 11 / US 43 (SR 7 / SR 13) – Knoxville
Tuscaloosa​62.466100.52962SR 300 – Fosters
​68.033109.48968Joe Mallisham Parkway
Tuscaloosa71.367114.85471 I-359 / SR 69 (US 11 / SR 7) – Tuscaloosa, MoundvilleSigned as exits 71A (SR 69 south) & 71B (I-359/SR 69 north); southern terminus of I-359; parclo interchange
73.003117.48773 US 82 / SR 6 (McFarland Boulevard)Luther Stancel Pate III Memorial Bridge
75.961122.24776 US 11 / SR 7 (Skyland Boulevard)
77.102124.08477Buttermilk RoadFormerly signed for Cottondale
79.895128.57979 US 11 (SR 7) – Coaling, Cottondale
86.295138.87886Brookwood, Vance
89.253143.63989Mercedes Drive
​97.138156.32897

 US 11 south / SR 5 south (SR 7 south) – West Blocton, Centreville		South end of US 11/SR 5 concurrency
​100.292161.404100SR 216 – Lake ViewEastern terminus of SR 216
Jefferson​104.159167.628104Rock Mountain Lake RoadAccess via McAshan Drive
​106.201170.914106 I-459 – Gadsden, Montgomery, AtlantaSouthern terminus of I-459; proposed future southern terminus of I-422
Bessemer108.396174.446108

 US 11 north / SR 5 north / SR 7 north (Academy Drive)		North end of US 11/SR 5 concurrency
110.021177.062110Splash Adventure Parkway
112.341180.79511218th Street / 19th Street
Brighton113.280182.30611318th Avenue – Brighton
Midfield115.520185.911115Allison–Bonnett Memorial Drive / Jaybird Road
Fairfield118.304190.392118Valley Road – Fairfield
119.025191.552119Lloyd Nolan ParkwaySigned as exit 119A southbound
Ensley119.727192.682119BAvenue ISouthbound exit and northbound entrance
120.934194.624120 SR 269 (20th Street Ensley) / Ensley AvenueSouthern terminus of SR 269
121.238195.114121Bush BoulevardSouthbound exit and northbound entrance
Birmingham123.374198.551123 US 78 / SR 4 (Arkadelphia Road)
124.740200.750124A6th Avenue North – DowntownEastbound exit only
124B-C I-65 – Montgomery, HuntsvilleSigned as exits 124B (south) and 124C (north); I-65 exits 261B-C; hybrid interchange
125.221201.524124D17th Street N. – DowntownEastbound exit and westbound entrance
125.639202.196125B22nd Street – DowntownClosed; was signed as exit 125 westbound[47]
126.239203.162126A

 US 31 south / US 280 east (SR 3 south)


 Carraway Boulevard to US 31 north (SR 3 north)		Western terminus of US 280
126.825204.105126B31st Street N. / 25th Street N. – Birmingham–Jefferson Convention Complex
128.257206.410128 SR 79 (Tallapoosa Street)
129.621208.605129Airport Boulevard
130.301209.699130
 I-20 east – Atlanta		North end of I-20 concurrency; I-20 exit 130A
131.801212.113131Oporto–Madrid BoulevardNorthbound exit and southbound entrance
132.214212.778132 US 11 / SR 7 (1st Avenue North)No access from I-59 north to US 11 south, from US 11 south to I-59 north, or from US 11 north to I-59 south
133.814215.3531334th Avenue SouthNorthbound exit and southbound entrance
134.383216.268134
 To SR 75 (Roebuck Parkway) – Center Point
137.202220.805137
 I-459 south – Montgomery, Tuscaloosa, Atlanta		Northern terminus of I-459
Trussville140.802226.599141Trussville, Pinson
143.647231.177143Deerfoot Parkway / Mount Olive Church Road
​147
 I-422 south		Proposed interchange; future northern terminus of I-422[48]
​147.647237.615148
 To US 11 (SR 7) – Argo
St. Clair​153.911247.696154 SR 174 – Odenville, Springville
​156.178251.344156 SR 23 – St. Clair Springs, Springville
Ashville166.322267.669166 US 231 (SR 53) – Ashville, Oneonta
Steele173.650279.463174Steele
EtowahGadsden181.294291.764181 SR 77 – Attalla, Rainbow City
Gadsden–Attalla line182.058292.994182
 I-759 east – Gadsden		Western terminus of I-759
Attalla183.030294.558183 US 278 / US 431 (SR 74 / SR 1) – Attalla, Gadsden
Reece City–Gadsden line188.082302.689188
 SR 211 to US 11 (SR 7) – Gadsden, Reece City
DeKalbCollinsville205.148330.154205 SR 68 – Collinsville, Crossville
Fort Payne218.654351.890218 SR 35 – Fort Payne, Rainsville
222.152357.519222 US 11 (SR 7) – Fort Payne
224.100360.65422449th Street NW
Hammondville231.419372.433231 SR 40 / SR 117 – Valley Head, Hammondville
​239.642385.666239
 To US 11 (SR 7) / Sulphur Springs Road
​241.36388.43
 I-59 north – Chattanooga		Continuation into Georgia
1.000 mi = 1.609 km; 1.000 km = 0.621 mi

Auxiliary routes

[edit]

There are three auxiliary routes for I-59 in the state. I-359 is a spur of I-59 that leads into downtown Tuscaloosa and to the University of Alabama.[49] I-459 is a loop of I-59 that serves as a bypass around downtown Birmingham and connects to I-59 at Bessemer and Trussville.[50][51] I-759 is a spur route of I-59 connecting Attalla to downtown Gadsden.[52]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Route Log and Finder List - Interstate System: Table 1". FHWA. Retrieved 2007-10-05.
  2. ^ Public Roads Administration (August 14, 1957). Official Route Numbering for the National System of Interstate and Defense Highways as Adopted by the American Association of State Highway Officials (Map). Washington, DC: Public Roads Administration. Archived from the original on July 19, 2017. Retrieved June 14, 2018 – via Wikimedia Commons.
  3. ^ Ingram, Bill (June 3, 1980). "At last: Ribbon-cutting opens I-59 link". Birmingham Post-Herald. Birmingham. p. C4. Retrieved September 25, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  4. ^ "Table 1 - Main Routes - FHWA Route Log and Finder List - Interstate Highway System - National Highway System - Planning - FHWA". www.fhwa.dot.gov. Retrieved 2024-09-20.
  5. ^ Alabama Department of Transportation. "2021 Senate Plan" (PDF). ww.dot.state.al.us. Retrieved September 25, 2024.
  6. ^ a b Alabama Department of Transportation. "Alabama Traffic Data". aldotgis.dot.state.al.us. Retrieved September 26, 2024.
  7. ^ a b c d "Overview map of I-59 in Alabama" (Map). Google Maps. Retrieved September 25, 2024.
  8. ^ Alabama Department of Transportation. "Sumter County" (PDF). www.dot.state.al.us. Retrieved September 25, 2024.
  9. ^ University of Alabama. "Greene County" (PDF). alabamamaps.ua.edu. Retrieved September 25, 2024.
  10. ^ a b University of Alabama. "Tuscaloosa County" (PDF). alabamamaps.ua.edu. Retrieved September 25, 2024.
  11. ^ Cardone, Jen (June 12, 2024). "Birmingham's 'Malfunction Junction' is no stranger to emergency bridge repairs". CBS 42. Retrieved September 25, 2024.
  12. ^ a b Alabama Department of Transportation. "Jefferson County" (PDF). aldotgis.dot.state.al.us. Retrieved September 25, 2024.
  13. ^ a b University of Alabama. "St. Clair County" (PDF). alabamamaps.ua.edu. Retrieved September 25, 2024.
  14. ^ a b University of Alabama. "Etowah County" (PDF). alabamamaps.ua.edu. Retrieved September 25, 2024.
  15. ^ University of Alabama. "DeKalb County" (PDF). alabamamaps.ua.edu. Retrieved September 25, 2024.
  16. ^ Weingroff, Richard F. "Designating the Urban Interstates". Federal Highway Administration. Retrieved August 5, 2018.
  17. ^ Public Roads Administration (August 2, 1947). National System of Interstate Highways (Map). Scale not given. Washington, DC: Public Roads Administration. Retrieved September 4, 2010 – via Wikimedia Commons.
  18. ^ "State Builds 137 Miles Of Interstate Highways". The Montgomery Advertiser. 1958-12-03. pp. 2B. Retrieved 2024-09-27 – via Newspapers.com.
  19. ^ "Bids Sought On 29 State Highway Jobs". Birmingham Post-Herald. 1959-06-02. p. 17. Retrieved 2024-09-27 – via Newspapers.com.
  20. ^ a b c Johnston, Louis; Williamson, Samuel H. (2023). "What Was the U.S. GDP Then?". MeasuringWorth. Retrieved November 30, 2023. United States Gross Domestic Product deflator figures follow the MeasuringWorth series.
  21. ^ "State Announces Low Bids Totaling $7,801,115 For 18 Highway Projects". The Montgomery Advertiser. 1960-11-23. p. 8. Retrieved 2024-09-27 – via Newspapers.com.
  22. ^ "2 Madison Projects In State Road Bids". The Huntsville Times. 1961-08-07. p. 3. Retrieved 2024-09-27 – via Newspapers.com.
  23. ^ "Low Road Bids Listed". The Montgomery Advertiser. 1961-08-29. p. 13. Retrieved 2024-09-29 – via Newspapers.com.
  24. ^ Cates, Charles (May 24, 1962). "Interstate Routes Take Shape In State". The Decatur Daily. p. 1. Retrieved October 23, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  25. ^ "$7,800,000 Spent On Interstate 59". December 4, 1962. p. 1. Retrieved October 23, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  26. ^ Bennett, James (July 6, 1965). "'Speed Up' In Road Work To Include New Ensley Job". p. 11 – via Newspapers.com.
  27. ^ Mann, Janean (August 20, 1966). "City Road Bids Accepted". Birmingham Post-Herald. p. 4. Retrieved October 23, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  28. ^ Culler, John (September 21, 1967). "A Progress Report". The Montgomery Advertiser. p. 42. Retrieved October 23, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  29. ^ "Contracts to Be Let On Road Work in State". The Montgomery Advertiser. June 7, 1970. p. 12A. Retrieved October 23, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  30. ^ "Paving Contract Is Let". The Selma Times-Journal. October 24, 1971. p. 1. Retrieved October 23, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  31. ^ Killebrew, Reuben (August 7, 1972). "Interstate 59 stretch to reopen". Birmingham Post-Herald. p. 4. Retrieved October 23, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  32. ^ "I-59 Section Opened". Alabama Journal. October 19, 1973. p. 19. Retrieved October 23, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  33. ^ "Stretch Of Interstate 59 Officially Opens Today". The Opelika-Auburn News. June 28, 1974. p. 2. Retrieved October 23, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  34. ^ "Bids Received". The Selma Times-Journal. February 1, 1975. p. 1. Retrieved October 23, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  35. ^ "I-59's missing link finally opens today". Birmingham Post-Herald. June 2, 1980. p. 1. Retrieved October 23, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  36. ^ Ingram, Bill (June 3, 1980). "At last: Ribbon-cutting opens I-59 link". Birmingham Post-Herald. Birmingham. p. C4. Retrieved September 25, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  37. ^ a b Alabama Department of Transportation (Summer 2018). "Inside Lane" (PDF). www.dot.state.al.us. Retrieved October 24, 2024.
  38. ^ Federal Highway Administration (October 2002). "Bridge Rebuilt on The Fast Track". highways.dot.gov. Retrieved October 24, 2024.
  39. ^ Reeves, Jay (October 22, 2004). "Fuel tanker flips, burns at busy Alabama highway interchange". The Opelika-Auburn News. p. 1. Retrieved October 24, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  40. ^ "Something to save lives". Birmingham Post-Herald. December 24, 2004. p. 6. Retrieved October 24, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  41. ^ Edgemon, Erin (2017-11-03). "Birmingham Malfunction Junction makeover: What are those massive columns?". www.al.com. Retrieved 2024-10-24.
  42. ^ Middleton, Dalton (2024-10-15). "Construction begins on I-59 Trussville project". ALDOT News Hub. Retrieved 2024-10-24.
  43. ^ Crane, Lisa (2024-10-20). "Almost 2 years of construction underway to widen I-59 in Trussville". WVTM. Retrieved 2024-10-24.
  44. ^ Bell, Valerie (2024-06-14). "A smoother ride ahead: I-59 Trussville project set to reconstruct and expand roadway". WBMA. Retrieved 2024-10-24.
  45. ^ "Milepost Web". October 27, 2016.
  46. ^ Volkert and Associates, I-85 Extension Corridor Study & EUIS Archived December 19, 2008, at the Wayback Machine
  47. ^ Highsmith, Jordan (September 6, 2018). "22nd Street Exit is closing in Downtown Birmingham". CBS 42. Birmingham. Retrieved September 25, 2024.
  48. ^ Gray, Jeremy (28 June 2010). "I-422 to infuse billions in Birmingham area". al. Retrieved 12 May 2023.
  49. ^ United States Geological Survey (2024). Tuscaloosa, AL (Topographic map). 1:24,000. 7.5 Minute Series. Reston, Virginia: United States Geological Survey. Retrieved October 24, 2024.
  50. ^ United States Geological Survey (2024). McCalla, Alabama (Topographic map). 1:24,000. 7.5 Minute Series. Reston, Virginia: United States Geological Survey. Retrieved October 24, 2024.
  51. ^ United States Geological Survey (2024). Irondale, AL (Topographic map). 1:24,000. 7.5 Minute Series. Reston, Virginia: United States Geological Survey. Retrieved October 24, 2024.
  52. ^ Google Maps street maps and USGS topographic maps. Retrieved April 21, 2010 – via ACME Mapper
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