Effort to Widen I-65 Gains Momentum

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Former Alabama state lawmaker George Clark has launched a new campaign with a big goal: to widen Interstate 65 to three lanes in each direction from Huntsville to Mobile.

Clark, well-known as the founder and former president of Manufacture Alabama, is spearheading this effort through a nonprofit organization called the Go Wide I-65 Coalition.

The campaign has already gained significant traction, raising $200,000 from business leaders and economic developers who rely heavily on Alabama’s transportation network.

Approaching an exit for I-65 in downtown BirminghamPhoto byAirtuna08 / Wikimedia Commons

Building Momentum Across Alabama

Clark’s campaign aims to rally support statewide by setting up “hundreds” of billboards to spread the word.

He believes that with enough public and political backing, the project can transform I-65, making it safer and more efficient for travelers and boosting economic development and tourism.

“You’ve got to have political leaders and the public to get behind some of these projects to make them happen,” Clark said.

The campaign is built around what Clark calls the “Ainsworth Plan,” named after Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth, a strong advocate for the highway’s expansion.

A Phased Approach to a Big Vision

The plan involves widening the highway section by section, focusing first on areas with the greatest need based on population impact, traffic congestion, accident frequency, and economic potential.

The estimated cost is hefty—around $6 million per mile in rural areas and $10 million per mile in urban zones—but with federal funding covering 80% of the project, Clark believes it’s within reach.

The key now is to generate widespread support to ensure steady progress. “If we get started with it, the momentum to fund it will grow every year,” Clark explained.

A Project with Statewide Impact

Widening I-65 is more than just a road project; it’s about connecting Mobile to the Great Lakes and bringing the Midwest into Alabama’s economic orbit.

The highway is crucial for the state’s economic development and tourism, and expanding it could unlock new opportunities for growth.

Currently, only 80 miles of I-65 have been widened to three lanes, with another nine miles in progress.

That leaves about 277 miles still in need of expansion—a challenge Clark is eager to tackle.

The Future of Alabama’s Infrastructure

Clark is optimistic that Alabama’s current financial environment, strengthened by initiatives like the Rebuild Alabama Act, makes now the perfect time to prioritize the I-65 expansion.

With support from leaders like Gov. Kay Ivey and Lt. Gov. Ainsworth, and a clear plan in place, Clark’s campaign is poised to make a significant impact.

“We’re in a better financial position than we were five years ago,” Clark said. “Now let’s make I-65 a priority.”

As the campaign gains steam, Alabamians can expect to see more action toward turning this ambitious vision into reality.

With the potential to enhance safety, ease traffic, and drive economic growth, the Go Wide I-65 Coalition is setting the stage for a brighter, broader future for Alabama’s roads.

Sources:

Former Alabama lawmaker launches campaign to widen I-65, raises $200,000