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June 25 2025
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Vol. XXVII • No. 13
“The Nation’s Best Read Construction Newspaper… Founded in 1957.”
A major I-65 widening effort that may not have taken place for another two decades is under way in Shelby County.
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Work Begins On Critical Shelby County Corridor By Cindy Riley
A major I-65 widening effort that may not have taken place for another two decades is under way in Shelby County. The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) is overseeing the $145 million series of projects, which will reduce congestion and improve traffic flow. “The widening will result in fewer traffic back-ups, while wider shoulders on bridges will increase safety,” said DeJarvis Leonard, ALDOT east central region engineer. “An additional lane will be added to the inside in the northbound and southbound direction to include a median barrier wall through most of the length of the projects. This will result in a significant positive impact to the drivers of Alabama, as well as those visiting and traveling through the state.” The lengthy undertaking calls for the replacement of eight outdated bridges, including six that are located over rail tracks and two over County Road 26. The new bridges will be modern, as well as wider. In addition to bridge removal and construction, work includes roadway improvements and additional lanes on I-65 from the US-31 interchange north of Calera to the CR-87 interchange southeast of Alabaster. Grading and drainage work has begun in the median of I-65 from the US-31 interchange in Calera to the bridge over the CSX railroad track.
CEG CORRESPONDENT
see ALDOT page 6
Public Supports TVA’s Proposed $5B Hydro Power Project A multibillion-dollar hydroelectric project that would reshape a mountaintop in northeastern Alabama found a receptive audience June 12, 2025 — including two residents who stand to lose property under the plan, AL.com noted. The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) is considering spending up to $5 billion on a pumped storage hydropower facility near the Jackson County town of Pisgah in an effort to bolster the utility during times of strain on its electrical grid. The site is just west of the Tennessee River.
At a community meeting at Pisgah High School, officials outlined steps in the decadelong project, which drew a round of applause from hundreds of attendees at its conclusion. Among them was Lynde Wheeler, who told AL.com that she has lived on the same county road on Sand Mountain — which would be covered by a reservoir under the TVA’s proposal — her entire life. Wheeler said she feels as though the TVA has been truthful with her and, at this point, she supports the plan. see TVA page 2
Tennessee Valley Authority render