The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) is set to begin a major capacity improvement project along Interstate 85 in Montgomery that will expand the corridor from two lanes to three lanes in each direction, extending from the end of the existing three-lane section at Taylor Road to Jenkins Creek.
Main construction is scheduled to begin Monday, Oct. 5. Before main construction begins, initial work will begin with utility relocations requiring rolling roadblocks on I-85. The rolling roadblock will take place on an early Sunday morning. Prior notice will be shared with the public when the date is confirmed.
In addition to improving overall capacity on I-85, the project includes replacing four bridges along I-85, two over Chantilly Parkway and two over the Kershaw Railroad. Improvements to Chantilly Parkway will feature increased lane widths and an additional left-turn lane for drivers accessing I-85 South.
As construction begins, motorists should be aware of temporary traffic pattern changes at the Chantilly Parkway interchange. While drivers exiting I-85 will continue to have full left-turn access from the interstate exit ramps, left turns from Chantilly Parkway onto the interstate entrance ramps will be temporarily restricted.
Specifically, westbound traffic on Chantilly Parkway seeking access to I-85 South will continue to Arrowhead Drive, make a U-turn, and return eastbound to the entrance ramp. A temporary signal will be installed at Arrowhead Drive to facilitate traffic flow for this movement. Eastbound traffic seeking access to I-85 North will use the existing U-turn bulb at Eastchase Parkway before returning westbound to the entrance ramp. These changes affect only access to the entrance ramps and are necessary to maintain traffic flow and reduce congestion during construction.
Lane closures will be limited to evening hours on Sunday through Thursday, 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. The public will be notified ahead of time of any planned exceptions.
Motorists will continue to travel underneath the I-85 bridges throughout most of the project. Future bridge replacement activities will require temporary weekend closures of Chantilly Parkway. ALDOT will provide advance notice to the public before any closures take effect.
Motorists are urged to slow down, avoid distractions, and pay strict attention to reduced speed limits and people in the work zone. Drivers should also watch for construction equipment and vehicles entering and exiting the work zone.
The approximately $71 million project was awarded to APAC-Alabama, Inc., out of Birmingham, with an estimated three and a half years until completion.
To stay updated on the project, visit I85Chantilly.com or ALDOTNews.com. For real-time traffic information, download the ALGO Traffic app or visit ALGOTraffic.com.
