Gov. Bentley announced this week that after years of planning, construction on the first phase of the Northern Beltline is now expected to start in 2014. The governor made the announcement after the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers approved the permit for construction.
Gov. Bentley also reported the new website, betterbeltline.org, will be up and running to supply updates on the activity and allow the public to offer their feedback.
Once completed, the Northern Beltline will be a 52-mile highway that will run from Interstate 59 in northeast Jefferson County to the Interstate 459 and I-20/59 junction in southwest Jefferson County. The first phase will comprise of a 1.34 mile portion between Alabama Highways 75 and 79 in northeast Jefferson County. Once it begins, the first phase is expected to take five to six years to complete.
Bentley said the Beltline will spur economic growth in the region.
“The Northern Beltline will support economic development and additional job creation in Jefferson County,” Bentley said. “It will link all the Interstates in the county, and it will increase accessibility to several communities. New industries look for modern infrastructure and convenient access when considering locations to build and create jobs. The Northern Beltline will spur economic growth and benefit drivers and residents throughout Jefferson County.”
A 2010 study by the University of Alabama’s Center of Business and Economic Research found that the project would support up to 70,000 jobs. It could also lead to almost 21,000 more jobs in the coming years.
The project is 100 percent funded with federal money.
“Our goal is to not only design, build and maintain the best highway in the state, but also to make sure people are informed during every step of the construction process,” Bentley stated.
Along with the website to make sure people are updated on the roadway construction, a volunteer group of citizens will be established and meet with the Alabama Department of Transportation and make sure the public’s feedback about the project is heard.
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