Alabama’s welcome centers are undergoing significant upgrades, transforming from outdated facilities into modern, spacious areas. The welcome center on I-65 near the Tennessee state line, for example, recently reopened after a two-year closure. This renovation, however, resulted in the removal of the iconic Saturn 1B rocket due to deterioration.
Next on the list for an upgrade is the Interstate 20 welcome center at the Georgia line, slated for renovation in 2025 as highway construction accelerates. This is one of several high-priority projects for the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT). According to Linda Crockett, public information officer for ALDOT’s East Central Region, holiday travel is currently at normal levels but is expected to increase significantly in the coming weeks.
Beyond the welcome center upgrades, ALDOT has several other projects underway outside the Birmingham metro area:
* Welcome Center Renovation and Addition (I-20 near Georgia State Line): This project will renovate the existing building, improve lighting, and upgrade the parking area.
* Bridge Replacement on SR-22 over the Tallapoosa River (Wadley): Preliminary work, including right-of-way acquisition and utility relocation, is planned for 2025, with construction anticipated for late 2025 or early 2026.
* Bridge Replacement on SR-50 over Wind Creek (Tallapoosa County): This project is scheduled to begin in early 2025.
* Bridge Replacement on SR-63 over Sugar Creek (Alexander City): Located south of US-280, this project will replace the aging bridge and address grade and traffic issues.
* Resurfacing and Access Management on US-280 (SR-22 to Old Dadeville Road, Alexander City): Construction on the section from SR-22 to SR-63 is expected to begin in 2025, with the section from SR-63 to Old Dadeville Road planned for late 2025 to early 2026. These projects will include intersection improvements and safety enhancements.
* Bridge Replacement on SR-1 (US-431) over Cornhouse Creek (Randolph County):
* Resurfacing and Access Management on SR-21 north of Anniston:
* Resurfacing of SR-15 (US-29) in the City of Valley:
ALDOT states that these projects demonstrate its ongoing commitment to improving infrastructure, enhancing safety, and addressing capacity needs across the region.