Northern Bypass intersection with Memorial Parkway opens
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"This bypass is an investment in Huntsville's future," Congressman Dale Strong said. Photo: Derek Lacey/Axios
A key component of Huntsville's Northern Bypass project — a highway extension connecting to Memorial Parkway — officially opened Friday.
Why it matters: The second phase of $40 million project is set to alleviate traffic for locals and commuters in the northern part of the city.
- It's also a milestone for the city's larger bypass initiative, which is building in capacity for decades of future growth.
Catch up quick: The 3.5 miles of limited-access highway completes a 10-mile connection of State Route 255 from Interstate 565 to US 231 (Memorial Parkway) north of Alabama A&M University.
- "It's already relieving congestion," said Shane Davis, Huntsville's director of urban and economic development.
- The full completion and opening of Phase Two will happen in late spring 2026, according to Davis.
Driving the news: Officials who gathered at the opening Friday pointed to intergovernmental collaboration — from the local level to the regional, state and federal level — as a key factor in getting the project underway.
- "This project was one of nine Restore Our Roads projects in partnership with the Alabama Department of Transportation," Davis said. "But that funding wasn't enough to get the project started."
- Congressman Dale Strong, who sits on the House Appropriations Committee, was able to allocate $8.3 million toward it.
- Madison County Commission Chairman Mac McCutcheon said the project wouldn't have been completed without that funding.
"This right here is a game changer," Strong said Friday, noting the extension's impact on education and the workforce.
- "It is going to ease congestion, expand mobility and strengthen our regional transportation network in ways that will keep pace with the incredible growth that we're seeing," he said.
- Strong reiterated, too, that "Space Command is on the horizon."
What they're saying: "Someday there will be shops, restaurants, retail, housing, schools and churches right here in District 1," said Council member Michelle Watkins, who represents the area.
- "In short, there will be opportunities," she said.
What's next: Phase Three will continue the roadway east, connecting the Parkway with Winchester Road, and Phase Four will continue it farther east, to US 72.
- A right-of-way acquisition is set to start next year on Phase Three, Davis said, while alignment is finalized for Phase Four, to be followed by design for that portion.
- He said work on the remaining two phases should be complete in about five years.