MONTGOMERY, Ala. ( WIAT ) — Lieutenant Governor Will Ainsworth said he’s been talking about a plan to widen I-65 for over a year.
The Go Wide I-65 Coalition hopes to get the word out about this plan and stop the grid lock. Ainsworth said the plan includes making I-65 three lanes from Tennessee to Mobile. While some portions already have three lanes, he said the expansion will help with the miles of back-up.
“You know, right now I’m passing an 18-wheeler. It’s our main artery for transportation in the state. But not only that- also, when you look at eight million visitors coming to our state,” said Ainsworth. “And a lot of them travel I-65 going to the coast.”
While millions of dollars are spent on other road projects, Ainsworth said this is the number one infrastructure project that needs to be accomplished. “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.”