National Guard training facility under construction in Huntsville, causing local traffic concerns

Staff Report

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June 22, 2025

Construction is underway on a $28 million Alabama National Guard training facility in northeast Huntsville. The project is expected to bring modern resources and new opportunities to the area, but not without community pushback over traffic congestion.

According to WAFF 48 News, the Alabama National Guard broke ground in early June on the new readiness center, which is located at the southeast corner of Moores Mill Road and Winchester Road.

The new facility will serve as a centralized training location for up to 200 soldiers at a time, with most activity taking place on weekends. Some soldiers may also be present during the week for training exercises and local emergency response efforts.

Lt. Drew Hill with the Alabama National Guard explained that the new readiness center represents an upgrade from older facilities scattered across North Alabama.

“We’re coming from all over the state, even a few coming from out of state, to come into these readiness centers to train and become proficient in our skills,” Hill said. “We’re excited to have Huntsville up there. It’s a large recruiting base. This provides a large opportunity for both the city and the Guard to move forward in this direction.”

However, nearby residents expressed concern that the facility could worsen an already challenging traffic situation.

Citizens told WAFF 48 News that the intersection near the project site has long suffered from heavy congestion, especially during peak travel times. Longtime resident Lauri Rigdon, whose husband is a former National Guard member, said traffic conditions have only worsened as the population has grown and new developments have moved in.

“You kind of take your life in your own hands when you’re driving down the roads during rush hour, especially,” Rigdon said.

Rigdon also pointed out that with local schools, expanding businesses, and Valhalla Cemetery nearby, the infrastructure hasn’t kept up with the area’s growth.

“You would think that would be a priority with all the businesses going in, but I guess not,” she said.

The new training center is one of the latest military infrastructure investments in North Alabama and is expected to support state defense operations and emergency preparedness once complete.

The project is scheduled to be completed by late 2026.