Why Expand

Why Expand I-65?

The Ainsworth Plan Will Provide Congestion Relief.

I-65 is a vital artery for Alabama but faces severe congestion, particularly during peak hours. It is undoubtedly one of the busiest interstates in Alabama, with traffic volumes peaking during rush hours and holiday seasons. The current two-lane configuration struggles to handle the increasing traffic, leading to significant delays and safety concerns.

I-65 in Alabama experiences significant daily traffic. Key points along the route, such as near Birmingham, Montgomery, and Mobile, report the following average daily traffic volumes:
  • Birmingham Area: Up to 150,000 vehicles per day
  • Montgomery Area: Approximately 100,000 vehicles per day
  • Mobile Area: Around 85,000 vehicles per day
Truck traffic constitutes a substantial portion of the total volume on I-65:
  • Percentage of Trucks: Roughly 20% of the daily traffic volume consists of commercial trucks
  • Peak Truck Traffic: The highest truck volumes are observed near industrial and port areas, especially around Mobile, which serves as a critical freight hub​​.

Congestion on I-65 is a recurring issue, particularly in urban areas and during peak travel times:

  • Birmingham: Average delays can range from 15 to 30 minutes during rush hours
  • Montgomery: Typical wait times are about 10 to 20 minutes
  • Mobile: Delays can extend up to 25 minutes during peak periods

The Ainsworth Plan’s expansion of I-65 to three lanes will not only increase capacity, reducing bottlenecks and traffic jams, but also bring significant relief to the population. 

Second, expansion will improve travel times and reduce stress for commuters and commercial travelers. Over the long term, reducing congestion can lead to cost savings in fuel, vehicle maintenance and driver time. These savings can significantly benefit both individual commuters and businesses.

The Ainsworth Plan Will Lead to Substantial Economic Growth.
  • The interstate expansion will attract new businesses and retain existing ones. Improved infrastructure can also attract new businesses, particularly in logistics, manufacturing, and retail, increasing regional investment.
  • Construction and business growth create new jobs. The expansion’s construction and maintenance will create jobs directly in construction and indirectly through increased demand for materials and services.
  • Efficient transportation of goods and services reduces costs and boosts local economies.
  • Improved transportation infrastructure often leads to an increase in property values in nearby areas.
  • A wider, more efficient interstate facilitates smoother movement of goods, which can be crucial for local industries and overall supply chain efficiency.

The Ainsworth Plan Will Lead to Increased Tourism.

Easier access to tourist attractions can increase tourism, benefiting local businesses such as hotels, restaurants, and shops.

The Ainsworth Plan Will Lead to Significant Safety Improvements.
I-65 has seen a considerable number of traffic incidents over the past year:
  • Total Accidents: Over 2,000 reported incidents in the last year
  • Fatal Accidents: Approximately 50 fatal accidents in the last year
  • High-Risk Areas: Sections near major cities such as Birmingham and Montgomery are prone to accidents, with congestion and driver error significant contributing factors​​.
  • Accident Reduction: Wider lanes and improved traffic flow reduce the likelihood of accidents.

The Ainsworth Plan Will Improve Quality of Life.
The expansion of I-65 directly impacts residents’ quality of life.
  • Improved Commutes: Shorter and less stressful commutes enhance overall well-being.
  • Accessibility: Better access to amenities and services improves the standard of living.
  • Public Transport Integration: Expansion projects can be designed to accommodate future public transportation options, promoting sustainable travel.

The Ainsworth Plan Will Enhance I-65’s Strategic Importance.
  • Disaster Evacuation: An expanded I-65 can be a critical evacuation route during natural disasters, improving regional resilience.
  • National Security: Enhanced transportation infrastructure is vital for national security, ensuring the efficient transportation of military and emergency supplies.

The Ainsworth Plan Will Accommodate Future Growth.
The population and traffic volume on I-65 are projected to increase.
  • Accommodating Growth: Expanding I-65 NOW prevents future congestion problems.
  • Technological Adaptation: Modernized infrastructure supports new technologies like autonomous vehicles and smart traffic management systems.
  • Infrastructure Modernization: It provides an opportunity to upgrade aging infrastructure, incorporating modern technology and materials for better durability and performance.

The Ainsworth Plan Will Benefit the Environment.
Environmental considerations are an essential factor in expanding I-65.
  • Reduced Emissions: Smoother traffic flow decreases vehicle emissions, leading to fewer idling vehicles and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Public Transportation: Dedicated lanes for buses and other public transit options promote sustainable transportation.

The Ainsworth Plan Will Lead to Enhanced Connectivity.
I-65 is an essential connector of various cities and regions in Alabama.
  • Regional Integration: Improved interstate connectivity fosters economic and social integration