Campaign to widen I-65 gains momentum [Video]

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WSFA) – The future of your commute could be clearer.

The Go Wide I-65 campaign is gaining momentum.

The campaign announced that two projects were recently approved to add lanes between Alabaster and Calera and near Saraland.

“We want to make sure from the Tennessee line to Mobile that we have three lanes going both directions,” said Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth.

Out of 367 miles, only 80 miles of Interstate 65 consist of three or more lanes throughout Alabama.

Ainsworth said it is not enough for the volume of traffic the state gets every year, including the “8 million tourists” that go to the coast.

The total cost of the project are estimated to be in the billions as construction costs continue to rise.

“The great thing about 65 is it’s a federal match,” Ainsworth said. “You’re looking at getting 80% of federal funds, 20% of state, and so we’re going …