First responders throughout the Birmingham metro recently rallied in support of the Northern Beltline, saying that it could save lives. The completed beltline, which has been in development on and off for the past 30 years, consists of a 52-mile, six-lane corridor stretching from I-59 in northeast Jefferson County to the I-459 interchange with I-59/20 near Bessemer. The next phase, scheduled for completion by 2027, is a 10-mile stretch of four-lane highway connecting U.S. Highway 31 near Gardendale to State Route 79 near Pinson.