major I-65 widening effort that may not have taken place for another two decades is under
Critical Shelby County Corridor
By Cindy Riley CEG CORRESPONDENT
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The lengthy undertaking calls for the replacement of eight outdated bridges, including six that are located over rail tracks and two over County Road 26.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.
Public Supports TVA’s Proposed $5B
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.
Power Project
TVA Plans for Underground Pumps, Turbines, Powerhouse
“To enjoy growth in an area, you sometimes have to make sacrifices,” she said. “Ultimately, to reap the benefits of parks and jobs and getting more opportunity to be a destination for people to recognize the beauty of our county, I believe it would be a positive impact.”
Robert Smith, another lifelong area resident, was initially concerned when he heard the TVA’s plan, which would wipe out his home of 10 years.
Despite that, he said, “I think it would be an engine for this area, [for] jobs [and] tourism. It’d be difficult for a little while, but my wife and I, we can make it.”
TVA spokesperson Scott Fiedler said about 10 properties would be impacted under the current plan.
TVA Prefers Rorex Creek Location
A federal utility agency, the TVA sells power to millions of people in north Alabama and parts of six other southeastern states.
It could decide to place its pumped storage hydro plant in one of two places in Jackson County: Rorex Creek near Pisgah or Widows Creek near Fabius.
Rorex Creek is the TVA’s preferred location, according to its draft Environmental Impact Statement. The latter site is near the
never-completed Bellefonte nuclear plant. Alternatively, the utility could choose to expand its existing Raccoon Mountain pumped hydro storage facility in Chattanooga, Tenn.
Both northeast Alabama options would generate up to 1,600 megawatts of energy, while expanding the Tennessee facility would add about 800 megawatts, according to TVA.
Whichever of the first two facilities chosen for the hydroelectric projects would be designed with underground pumps that fill a reservoir at a higher elevation when electrical demand is low, then hold it there until demand is high.
When the need for power is elevated, the water would then be pumped down through turbines — generating more electricity for the grid — on its way back to the Tennessee River.
Scottie Barrentine, project director for the TVA, likened the proposed pumped storage hydro facility to “a large water battery” that is “valuable for balancing the load on the grid.”
In addition, he said hydro storage is a fast and reliable way to add additional electrical capacity compared with nuclear, coal, or gas plants, which are most efficient when they run at a steady rate.
“We know how to run pumped storage,
Tennessee Valley Authority render A rendering of a planned Pumped Storage Hydropower facility at Rorex Creek near Pisgah, Ala. The pumps and turbines would be located underground.
and it works,” said Barrentine, who cited the Raccoon Mountain facility in Tennessee as the best example. TVA has been operating that site since it first opened in 1978.
FacilityÊs Opening
Over eight to 10 years, the agency would construct a ring dike for a 400-acre reservoir atop Sand Mountain in Pisgah, while the facility’s powerhouse, pipes and generators
would all be built underground, AL.com noted.
“Once in operation, this site is very quiet,” Barrentine said. “About all you’d see is a reservoir going up and down every day.”
TVA expects the creation of the hydro plant to bring in approximately 1,000 temporary construction jobs and about 60 permanent positions when it is completed. The agency projects that building it would inject up to $700 million into the local economy, he said, and another $700 million over the next 20 years of operation.
A second roadway bridge over the Tennessee River for the Pisgah community also would be included as part of the construction and eventually present recreational opportunities like biking and hiking trails and improved river access.
A decision on the project is due to be made over the next two years, AL.com reported. After that, the facility’s design and construction would likely take another 10 years to finish.
Alabama State Rep. Mike Kirkland said he has mostly heard support for the project.
“People here are looking at the investment by TVA, not to mention the recreational opportunities and the infrastructure; it’s a win-win for the community,” he said. “There’s no smokestack, there’s no radiation, you can’t beat this with a stick.”
Tuscaloosa Officials Award $74M Contract to Build Saban Center
The City of Tuscaloosa, Ala. has taken another step in making the vision of the Saban Center a reality.
During the first week of June, 2025, city officials awarded a $74 million contract to Stone Building Co. in Vestavia Hills, Ala. for construction of the new education facility near the Mercedes-Benz Amphitheater in downtown Tuscaloosa.
With the construction contract approved, a groundbreaking has now been scheduled for July with a grand opening expected in two years, Bama Buzz reported June 5, 2025.
“I always thought the amphitheater was an ambitious project,” said Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox during the city’s public projects committee meeting. “This makes the amphitheater look like a walk in the park. I’m very proud of the work of our team and I think all of us are proud to present this today.”
Named for former University of
Alabama football coach Nick Saban and his wife Terry, the couple honored 70 teachers at the 13th Annual Teacher Excellence Awards luncheon at the Tuscaloosa River Market in December 2024. During the event, the couple unveiled the latest renderings of the Saban Center, a learning campus to be constructed in Tuscaloosa’s River District.
A former educator herself, Terry Saban said that the new facility “will be a resource for these teachers and all educators across the state. It seemed only fitting that we show them first,” noted a news release on the City of Tuscaloosa website.
In addition, Saban Center is designed to be a launchpad for those looking to enhance their lives through innovative, interactive learning. By offering hands-on learning experiences for students and educators, the campus will foster curiosity, confidence and leadership skills for all who visit. Saban Center’s campus will
house the State of Alabama STEM Hub, the Tuscaloosa Children’s Theatre and IGNITE, formerly the Children’s Hands-On Museum.
“Saban Center is a passion project for Mrs. Terry and me,” said Coach Saban. “We’re building Saban Center to support these teachers and all the teachers in Alabama. Education provides opportunities and our life’s work is about providing opportunities for kids. Saban Center will allow us to continue that mission, providing opportunities for students, teachers, families and visitors to Alabama for generations to come.”
The project renderings, designed by Malcolm Holzman, an architect with Los Angeles-based Steinburg Hart, highlight the various areas of the campus.
“It has been an honor to collaborate with Saban Center stakeholders on the design of this project, a place which will inspire visitors of all ages,” said Holzman. “Home to a multitude of interactive and energizing STEM, arts and cultural environments, the Saban Center
will feature curved facades crafted of recycled Alabama marble, at once enclosing and presenting these engaging activities to the world beyond its walls.”
With strong support from partners like the State of Alabama, the Alabama Department of Education and private companies, Saban Center will be located in the River District of Tuscaloosa on the old Tuscaloosa News building site.
Demolition has already begun and the campus is slated to open in 2027.
Contractor Is Well-Known in Alabama
Stone Building has started making a name for itself across the state, according to Bama Buzz.
Most recently, the company was selected for major projects including the new Coca-Cola Amphitheater in Birmingham and the 17 Springs multi-use development in Millbrook.
Some of its previous projects include Plainsman Park in Auburn,
Mountain Brook High School, Bill Noble Park in Gardendale, One Pratt Park in Birmingham and the University of Alabama Birmingham basketball practice facility.
Stone’s construction bid for Saban Center came in more than $6 million below the initial budget from the city.
The project is expected to last roughly 18 months, with an estimated completion slated for December 2026. That would allow for the building’s final touches, including the installation of exhibits, to be finished in 2027.
In previous meetings, Tuscaloosa city leaders approved a $120 million total budget for the project which included construction, exhibits and more.
Bama Buzz noted that during a recent city projects committee meeting, city officials reported that Saban Center had received around $31 million in donations and pledged funds.
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Bridge Removal Part of ALDOT’s $145M I-65 Widening
As part of the widening effort, crews must excavate material in the median, construct a new roadbed and pave multiple layers of asphalt.
The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) is overseeing the $145 million series of projects, which will reduce congestion and improve traffic flow.
ALDOT from page 1
The first assignment was awarded for $44 million to Dunn Construction, which serves as the prime contractor on the southernmost project. Work officially began in February 2025 and won’t be completed until late 2027.
“Throughout our 147-year history, Dunn Construction has completed many of these types of projects,” said Michael Estell, Dunn Construction senior vice president of project management. “Although every project has unique characteristics, highway and bridge projects are in general very similar to construct.
“We feel we’ve assembled the best team of subcontractors to help us build and complete the project on budget and on schedule,” he added. “This type of high-profile project warrants a great deal of interest from the traveling public and gets our team excited about showcasing our ability to take on the task of construction.”
McInnis Construction of Montgomery was tapped to handle the northern segment of work, while the contractor for the middle section has not yet been announced. At some point, work will take place at the same time on all three projects.
As part of the widening effort, crews must excavate material in the median, construct a new roadbed and pave multiple layers of asphalt. Because the current bridges must be demolished, the contractor is required to submit a detailed demolition plan that’s approved by both ALDOT and the railroad.
Excavation has begun, with stone placed immediately afterwards to reduce the impact of any runoff. Approximately 91,000 cu. yds. of unclassified excavation is expected to be moved during construction.
Main equipment includes excavators, cranes, rollers, dozers, pavers, front-end loaders, motor graders, milling machine, material mixing device, a power broom, tack truck, concrete pumping truck and dump trucks. Chief materials include aggregate, concrete and asphalt.
According to W. Todd Connell, ALDOT Birmingham area construction engineer, raising the grade near the bridges will be one of the main challenges for crews, along with performing tasks near a large volume of traffic. Bridge removal over an active railroad also calls for extreme coordination.
“The railroad wants to ensure adequate safety of all workers and train traffic, as well as make certain no railroad facilities are negatively impacted by the construction project,” he said. “The contractor must have railroad insurance, and have flaggers scheduled and on site anytime work is being conducted that could impact the railroad.
“Construction of a bridge (or bridges) over a railroad track requires multiple submittals from both the agency and the contractor to the railroad,” added Connell. “The agency will initially submit and have the plans approved by the railroad. The contractor is then required to submit multiple items for review and approval prior to work commencing within the railroad right-ofway.”
For bridge construction, a demo plan must be submitted and approved. For a new bridge, two abutments with pile footings and two bents with pile footings are necessary.
“The bridge will consist of three spans, totaling a length of 260 feet,” said Connell. “There are 14 steel girders on the middle span and 32 concrete girders for spans 1 and 3. The bridge will be constructed in two phases. The middle portion of the bridge, approximately 53 feet in width, will be built first, while traffic runs on the existing bridges with reduced lane widths shifted toward the outside.”
Once the middle portion is complete, traffic will be shifted to the inside to run on the newly constructed bridge. The existing bridges will be demolished and the outside of the new bridge
will be completed on both the northbound and southbound sides.
“The new bridge deck will be approximately three feet higher than the existing bridge deck,” said Connell. “This will require four temporary retaining walls to be constructed in the median, to allow for the higher grade of the approaches to the new bridge until the outsides of the roadway and bridge are constructed. The contractor chose to use a temporary wire face MSE system for the temporary retaining walls.”
At this point in construction, any work that requires a lane closure is being conducted at night. This will reduce the impact on traffic.
For Connell, playing a role in a project that will result in an easier ride for motorists makes all the planning and coordination worthwhile.
“This corridor of I-65 to be widened south of Birmingham routinely becomes congested, most notably during the summer travel season. The congestion becomes a severe inconvenience for those living in the communities along and adjacent to I-65, as well as a significant delay for those traveling to and from the Gulf Coast beaches of Alabama and the Florida panhandle.
“The widening of I-65 in this area will help to significantly reduce that congestion and improve the quality of life for those living near I-65 and those traveling through this area,” he added.
The highway project, the largest ever for Shelby County, comes not a moment too soon, according to county engineer David Willingham.
“Interstate 65 is Shelby County’s most critical transportation corridor, but for years has been plagued by severe congestion,” he said. “Relieving it will greatly improve the quality of life for all users and help our communities retain and attract major employers.”
Willingham said Shelby County commissioners recognize the importance of the corridor to the entire region.
“In order to address this critically needed project, commissioners committed $16.5 million in county funds, along with $3.5 million from the cities of Alabaster and Calera. Doing so provided a total of $20 million in local funding to match state and federal dollars.”
Because of a lack of money, the project remained far off in the regional transportation plan; however, the commitment of $20 million fostered a partnership with Gov. Kay Ivey and ALDOT to address the project immediately.
“Governor Ivey and her staff at ALDOT have done an outstanding job to move this from an announcement in August 2023 to construction in January 2025,” said Willingham. “Many motorists have commented that while the construction phase will bring inconveniences, they recognize that relief from years of congestion is on the way.” CEG
(All photos courtesy of Dunn Construction.)
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 CR87 interchange southeast of Alabaster.
