Montgomery to Begin Interstate 85 Widening Project
The Alabama Department of Transportation will expand a major highway corridor starting on Monday.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Construction
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Starting October 5, 2026, the Alabama Department of Transportation will initiate a $71 million widening project on Interstate 85 in Montgomery. The construction will expand the highway from two to three lanes in each direction between Taylor Road and Jenkins Creek.
Why it matters
The multi-year effort aims to improve traffic capacity along a vital regional transit route. It addresses growing congestion by increasing the lane count and replacing four aging bridges along the interstate.
The $71 million project, awarded to APAC-Alabama, Inc., involves replacing two bridges over Chantilly Parkway and two over the Kershaw Railroad. The work is scheduled to span 3.5 years.
The players
Alabama Department of Transportation
This state agency manages the construction, maintenance, and planning of highway and transit infrastructure throughout Alabama.
APAC-Alabama, Inc.
This firm is a large-scale construction contractor specializing in heavy civil infrastructure projects across the region.
The details
The project includes substantial upgrades to the Chantilly Parkway interchange, which will feature temporary traffic pattern changes. Initial work will involve utility relocations and rolling roadblocks, while a temporary traffic signal will be installed at Arrowhead Drive to manage flow.
Timeline
Construction begins on Monday, October 5, 2026.
Lane closures are scheduled from 7PM to 5AM, Sundays through Thursdays.
The project is expected to be completed in approximately 3.5 years.
Market Landscape
This project aligns with the Federal Highway Administration's National Bridge Inventory standards, which guide the systemic replacement of aging infrastructure. It reflects a broader shift toward regional highway modernization to handle increased commercial and residential traffic density.
Drivers using the Chantilly Parkway interchange must use a U-turn at Arrowhead Drive to reach I-85 South. Residents should expect nighttime delays due to lane closures occurring Sundays through Thursdays between 7PM and 5AM.
The takeaway
Commuters should adjust their travel schedules to account for overnight lane closures during the work week. Travelers are advised to follow all temporary signage at the Chantilly Parkway interchange to avoid navigation delays.
Further reading
For more updates on local development, see Construction.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Alabama News.
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