In Huntsville, Alabama, drivers on North Memorial Parkway have been enduring a long wait as construction on the new overpasses continues. The sight of orange traffic cones, bumper-to-bumper traffic, and brake lights has been a common sight for over a year along one stretch of this important roadway. This massive $34 million project began in June 2023, with the first phase successfully shifting drivers into the inside lane. Now, the next step is to move all traffic onto the service roads, directly affecting Matt Morris' business.

Impact on Local Businesses

Carpet One, owned by Matt Morris, has been a part of the community for an impressive 50 years. It predates the existing overpass. Morris has witnessed firsthand how the construction has not only increased traffic but also had a significant impact on local businesses. "We're used to stacked up traffic and stop-and-go situations," he said. He hopes that the new overpass will bring relief and not follow the same fate as other businesses that have changed ownership three or four times due to the construction. "When the overpass is finally completed, I believe it will make things better. Being in the flat part of the valley near this overpass, it will be easier for customers to reach us," Morris added.

Challenges During Construction

The prolonged construction period has presented numerous challenges for both drivers and local businesses. The constant traffic congestion has led to frustration and delays for commuters. For businesses like Carpet One, it has affected their daily operations and customer flow. Morris shared his experiences during this time, emphasizing the need for patience and understanding. "It's been a tough journey, but we're holding on and looking forward to the end of the construction," he said. The construction team has been working diligently to ensure the safety of both drivers and workers, but the impact on the local community has been undeniable.

Benefits of the New Overpass

Despite the current difficulties, there is hope on the horizon. Once the new overpass is completed in 2026, it is expected to bring significant benefits to the area. The improved traffic flow will not only make commuting easier for drivers but also have a positive impact on local businesses. Morris believes that the new overpass will attract more customers to the area, revitalizing the local economy. "It's an investment in our community, and we're all excited to see the positive changes it will bring," he said. The completion of this project will mark a major milestone for Huntsville and its residents.

After months of extensive construction, the I-475 area near Airport Highway and U.S. 24 in Toledo has undergone a remarkable makeover. Drivers and the Ohio Department of Transportation have been closely observing the progress, and it seems to be going quite smoothly since the switch on Sunday. Norm Abrass, a regular driver on this stretch of I-475 during construction, expressed his delight, stating, "I love the switch, it’s a lot less stress for everyone."

The New Features on the Road

The road was realigned on Sunday, and that's not the only significant change. Kelsie Hoagland, the District 2 public information officer for ODOT, explained that there is a new path for exiting and entering, known as a collector-distributor road. She said, "To exit at Dussel Drive or at the new 20A interchange, you’ll actually start entering or exiting at the exact same merge point … but this is a natural and new way to actually have more protected merges, it’s a safer way to get on and off the interstate without having to merge on interstate speeds." Additionally, drivers may notice new signs on the road, some pointing to Dana Drive. Hoagland clarified that these new signage pieces are for the not-yet-open new US 20A interchange.The interchange is targeted to open by the end of the year, but depending on the project's progress, it could open in 2025. The priority is to open all three highway lanes in both directions by the end of this year. Hoagland also informed 13 Action News that ODOT does not have a projected date for when the northbound lanes will get realigned.In the meantime, crews will be working on Wednesday and Friday. Hoagland emphasized the importance of drivers giving workers space on the road. She said, "Those Southbound lanes are newly reopened. They are quite comfortable and we ask that you please maintain those respected speeds to the posted speed limit."The construction work has brought about a significant improvement to the I-475 area, enhancing safety and providing a more seamless driving experience. With the targeted opening of the interchange and the ongoing efforts of the crews, the future looks promising for this important transportation route.