I-565 widening project will alleviate traffic congestion

MADISON COUNTY, Ala. (WHNT) — If you've traveled westbound on Interstate 565 heading toward Madison, then you're no stranger to the traffic congestion, but an upcoming project will help change that.

The $29 million I-565 widening project orchestrated by the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) will create more lanes that'll alleviate traffic congestion during peak hour times.

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Officials say it'll cause some short-term inconveniences for drivers while creating a long-term solution. The project will stretch from west of County Line Road to east of Wall Triana Highway and will create a third lane on each roadway.

ALDOT's North Region Public Information Officer Seth Burkett says the highly anticipated project will be beneficial.

"We see delays and backups at peak traffic times at those locations where it goes from three lanes to two lanes both going east in the morning and going west in the afternoon," Burkett told News 19. "This will greatly improve traffic flow."

Burkett says there will be lane closures in the evening and he urges people to drive safely through work zones. As for how it will affect the westbound I-565 flyover ramp construction at Town Madison, Burkett believes there won't be an impact.

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"The projects don't exactly overlap," Burkett said. "Although they're close to each other, I doubt there's going to be a lot of conflict as a result of these two projects."

With Huntsville and surrounding areas continuing to grow, more cars will hit the roadway and it's why adding more lanes is vital to creating a better travel experience for drivers.

"The traffic counts on this section of I-565 are about 70,000 vehicles a day, this project is going to do away with those bottlenecks," Burkett said.

The project will begin Sunday night with lane closures from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. with a completion date set for 2026.