Alabama officials are planning a major freeway that will run north-south through the western portion of the state.

According to The Birmingham (Ala.) News, the controlled-access road will cross 20 counties. Highway officials would not speculate on when construction would begin or be finished.
The highway would connect poorer parts of the state with the Port of Mobile and spur economic development, officials say. $4 million for a freeway study is included ina 2001 Federal Highway Administration appropriation. The study will determine where the freeway will go, and alternate routes that could include U.S. 54 and Alabama 13 or portions of them. The study will also look at improving connecting roads, such as extending Interstate 85 from Montgomery to Mississippi and improvements to U.S. 82 from Tuscaloosa to Mississippi.