Auburn Technology Park Interchange Moves Forward

March 26, 2010

The Auburn City Council entered an agreement with the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) in a Special Called Meeting on Friday.  The Special Called Meeting was held to expedite the agreement, allowing ALDOT to potentially move forward with a bid in April. The agreement will allow the long planned Interstate 85 Exit 50, named the “Auburn Technology Park Interchange” by the State Legislature through action initiated by Mike Hubbard, to move forward. The interchange project had been on hold due to rescissions that went into effect with the expiration of the SAFETEA-LU transportation bill last December. As part of the recent jobs bill, Congress extended the SAFETEA-LU through the end of the year and restored funds affected by rescissions.

“I’m proud that we’re finally able to move forward with the project,” commented Auburn Mayor Bill Ham. “This interchange will provide improved access for Auburn Technology Park West, Auburn Technology Park North, and Auburn University. The interchange and the access it provides will be very important to jobs and economic development in our community.” The Mayor also thanked Congressman Rogers and Senators Shelby and Sessions for their role in securing approximately $18.4 million to make this project possible, and Governor Riley for his support. “We’re very fortunate to have a great team of elected officials with a heart for Auburn at both the state and Federal level.”

Construction on Exit 50 could begin within the next 12 to 18 months.