Alabama Department of Transportation,Alabama Department of Transportation
John Cooper is the director of the Alabama Department of Transporation
Work started this month on a major road construction project to expand one of Alabama’s busiest highways. It’s the elevated portion of Interstate 20/59 that runs through downtown Birmingham. The highway is at twice designed capacity and is at the end of its usable life. The redesign will change how drivers can access the city center.
Ramps at 22nd street will be eliminated. Drivers will still be able get on and off the interstate at Carraway Boulevard. They’ll be able to get to 17th Street from I-65. The new plan does maintain entrance and exit ramps at 31st Street.
WBHM’s Andrew Yeager spoke with Alabama Department of Transportation Director John Cooper about the estimated $400 million project which generated strong pushback from some portions of the community. He asked Cooper what he anticipates when that stretch of highway is closed.
An extended interview: