U.S. Rep. Spencer Bachus, known for his ability to ensure the timely completion of major infrastructure projects throughout the Yellowhammer State, has been honored with a section of Interstate 22 named for him.

In a ceremony in Birmingham, I-22 in Jefferson County was named the “Congressman Spencer Bachus Highway.” The former congressman played a significant role in bringing the project to fruition.

“I-22 is the perfect example of a major project that would probably still be incomplete if we didn’t have Spencer fighting to accelerate funding in Washington,” said Mike Thompson, vice chairman of the Coalition for Regional Transportation.

“When many of us in the room today took the first steps to build what is now I-22, some critics said we wouldn’t see its completion in our lifetime,” Bachus said. “All our efforts, whether in war or peace, are almost always for future generations. I-22 is complete.

“A complete Northern Beltline is years in the future. But we can celebrate knowing both will benefit future generations.”

As a member of Congress representing Alabama’s Sixth Congressional District from 1993 until his retirement in 2015, Bachus was the dean of Alabama’s House delegation to champion the construction of I-22.

“There’s no doubt Congressman Bachus’s championing I-22 accelerated its completion,” said Alabama Department of Transportation Director John Cooper. “He also positioned Alabama to advance the Birmingham Northern Beltline under the same ADHS highway program that funded construction of I-22.

“I’m happy to join everyone in recognizing Congressman Bachus for his outstanding efforts.”

I-22 is a 202-mile-long interstate highway serving as a connection between Birmingham and Memphis, Tennessee. The interstate opened to drivers in 2015 and is one of the most significant road projects in Alabama history.

“Interstate 22 and the Birmingham Northern Beltline each represent generational opportunities to enable significant economic expansion, reduce costly congestion, and enhance motorist safety,” said Steve Ammons, CEO of the Birmingham Business Alliance. “The Birmingham Business Alliance and our members all thank Spencer Bachus for committing his time and effort to these projects during his twenty-two years as our congressman.”

Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News.