Lt. Gov. Ainsworth discusses efforts to widen I-65

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. ( WIAT ) — Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth joined CBS 42 Morning News to discuss the ‘Go Wide I-65’ campaign. The goal of the campaign is to widen I-65 to three lanes all the way from Tennessee down to Mobile.

While some portions already have three lanes, Ainsworth said the expansion will help with the miles of gridlock many drivers experience on the interstate. Ainsworth emphasized that he believes this is the number one infrastructure project that needs to be accomplished and could be completed in 10 to 15 years.

“What we’ve gotta do, and ask ALDOT to do, is put together a plan,” he added. “Draw down federal funds. You can draw down close to 80% match, and then let’s start knocking this out in phases.”

George Clark, director emeritus and president of workforce development for Manufacture Alabama, founded the Go Wide I-65 Coalition.

The push for I-65 expansion has previously put Ainsworth at odds with Gov. Kay Ivey.

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