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Birmingham Infrastructure Projects Advance with Surplus Plan and Ongoing Construction
Recent funding approvals and active builds mark progress on drainage, road redesigns and industrial upgrades in the city.
How we reported this
Birmingham approved a $31.8 million surplus plan in March 2026 for infrastructure, including $5 million for Messer Airport Highway drainage work and $2 million for sidewalk repairs. The plan also directs resources toward civil rights projects and youth programs. This allocation follows standard city budgeting processes and focuses on immediate maintenance needs across multiple corridors.
Active Construction on Major Corridors
The first phase of the Birmingham Northern Beltline, designated as future I-422, remains under construction with a $64.7 million investment. Completion is scheduled for late 2026. Work continues on segments that will eventually connect key parts of the region and reduce pressure on existing routes. Residents near these alignments have seen equipment and crews on site for several months.
Separately, the I-65 widening between Alabaster and Call is a $143 million project currently underway in Shelby County near Birmingham. The effort is expected to wrap up in spring 2028. The project targets capacity improvements on a heavily used interstate link serving commuters and freight traffic.
Federal Grants and Industrial Upgrades
Federal grants totaling $44.7 million were awarded to Birmingham for redesigning 4th Avenue to a two-way road, alleviating blocked railroad crossings, and improving the Civil Rights Crossroads. The funding supports changes intended to improve traffic flow and access in the downtown area. ACIPCO received a $61 million building permit in 2026 for a major industrial infrastructure upgrade at its Birmingham facility. The permit covers expansion and modernization work at the existing site.
Next Steps for Residents
City crews will continue drainage improvements on Messer Airport Highway and sidewalk repairs funded through the March 2026 surplus plan. Motorists can expect periodic lane shifts on the Northern Beltline and I-65 corridors as work progresses toward the stated completion dates. Updates on 4th Avenue redesign timelines are available through city public works channels.