Birmingham Northern Beltline opens first phase in Alabama

Governor Kay Ivey has announced the opening of the first phase of the Birmingham Northern Beltline (SR-959). The new 1.88-mile roadway segment, located in northeast Jefferson County between SR-79 and SR-75, is now open to traffic.

This initial section, connecting the Bradford and Palmerdale communities, serves as the first leg of the planned 52-mile I-422 highway. The full project is intended to eventually span from I-459 in Bessemer to I-59 in northeast Jefferson County.

The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) is now preparing for the next phase of construction, which will extend the highway eight miles west to US-31 in Gardendale. Contracts for multiple subsequent phases are expected to be awarded in 2027.

A study by the University of Alabama’s Center for Business and Economic Research suggests the completed Northern Beltline could generate up to $1.9 billion in annual statewide economic output and support more than 11,700 jobs each year.