East Central Region Archives

Jan 06

Hollis Crossroads District tackles bigger projects with unifying leadership

District 44 covers Cleburne, Clay and most of Randolph Counties.

The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) team of nearly four dozen serving the Hollis Crossroads District relies on its leaders.

Administrator William Whaley believes they bring unity to the job and provide a high level of efficiency to the taxpayers.

“They’ll complete a goal and they’re not wasting time. They go out there with the…

Dec 31

ALDOT wins Quality Pavement Awards from AAPA

The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) has won 11 quality pavement awards from the Alabama Asphalt Pavement Association (AAPA).

ALDOT took home the honors during the 66th annual Quality Pavement Awards at the Association’s Officer Installation Luncheon and Pavement Awards Ceremony on Dec. 12, 2025.

Each year, the Association’s asphalt paving contractors submit paving projects…

Dec 30

Upcoming I-59 lane shift to impact Trussville commuter traffic

I-59 northbound will narrow to one lane at the I-459 for a short distance.

The next phase of I-59 widening project in Trussville will affect daily commutes early next week. The upcoming I-59 lane shift will start on the evening of January 6, 2026, weather permitting.

ALDOT is moving traffic to the outside lanes to kick off the job’s northbound construction.

This will impact traffic in the area in…

Dec 22

Alexander City District maintains roadways as a tight knit family

District 41 maintains 4,144 miles of roadway in two counties.

Alexander City District Administrator Craig Phillips paid his ALDOT dues at a very young age.

He spent one summer as a labor intern as the teen son of a veteran employee

The work ethic he learned was probably more valuable than his wage.

“Started out around $4.25, $4.28, something like that an hour, as a…

Dec 11

Shelby County I-65 widening project is clicking in all three phases

Bridge construction is underway in the I-65 widening project north of Calera's Exit 231.

The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) is making noticeable progress on the eight-mile I-65 widening in Shelby County, a priority project of Governor Ivey’s.

The first two phases of the $143M job began in February and June, while the final middle phase kicked off in October.

The southernmost section of work stretches from Calera’s Exit…

Dec 02

Birmingham District mastering highway maintenance flexibility

District 31's maintenance team handles one of busiest sections of the state.

ALDOT’s Birmingham District team is defined by their undeniable flexibility.

Every day, hundreds of thousands of motorists pour through Jefferson County’s five interstates and countless other U.S. and Alabama highways.

That level of congestion and traffic flow requires the ability to adapt to adversity on a regular basis.

“There’s no telling how many times their…

Nov 19

Widened I-59 to open in Trussville early

The southbound half of the I-59 widening project in Trussville is set to open.

The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) is opening the newly widened I-59 southbound lanes in Trussville just in time for the holiday shopping season.

Motorists can enjoy the improved 3.5-mile section between Chalkville Mountain Road and I-459 on starting Friday, November 21, 2025.

Originally scheduled to open by Thanksgiving, work progressed enough to expedite the…

Nov 05

ALDOT closing US-280 traffic at Pumphouse Road for bridge girder installation

ALDOT to shut down US-280 at Pumphouse Road to install new bridge girders.

The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) is reaching a significant milestone in its ongoing US-280 widening project by setting the first girders for the new Pumphouse Road Bridge.

This work requires a total traffic closure for crews to safely install the 100-foot beams across the width of the highway.

Beginning at 11 p.m. on Friday,…

Nov 05

ALDOT reopens US-231 following extensive sinkhole repair in St. Clair County

US-231 reopened to traffic in St Clair County Tuesday evening following an extensive sinkhole repair.

The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) has reopened US-231 following extensive work to reinforce its foundation in St. Clair County following ongoing sinkhole impacts.

ALDOT contractors have finished excavating the site and filled it in with multiple layers of stone and geogrid material.

Closed Monday morning for the repair, the site reopened to traffic Tuesday…

Oct 28

Talladega District overcomes sinkholes under hands-on Administrator

One of the constant challenges District 45 crews must tackle develops below Talladega County’s roads.

“One thing that we have to deal with a lot around here is sinkholes, and, you know, a lot of counties don’t have that. Talladega in particular, a lot of limestone and everything,” ALDOT District 45 Administrator Stephen Blair said.