An excellent working relationship between the city of Bessemer and the Alabama Department of Transportation contributes significantly to Bessemer’s economic development.
A major obstacle recently developed concerning the Birmingham Northern Beltline and the proposed Data Center in Bessemer. The issue was the proposed location for the Data Center impeding the future of the Birmingham Northern Beltline’s route to Interstate 459.
Fortunately, discussions with the developer of the Data Center, the city of Bessemer and the Alabama Department of Transportation resulted in an agreement to allow the projects to co-exist.
This decision was due in part to Bessemer working with the developer to increase the buffer zone for the Data Center to nearly 300 ft., approximately 1,600 acres. The developer purchasing an additional 900 acres allowing this issue to be resolved.
The Coalition for Regional Transportation Executive Director Michael Staley said, “The Northern Beltline is a generational investment in the economic growth for Bessemer, Jefferson County and all of Alabama.”
Speaking before the Bessemer City Council on last Tuesday, Staley also emphasized the significance of ensuring that the long-term infrastructure priorities remain part of local planning decisions.
Also highlighted was the continued progress on the Northern Beltline in particular the construction of the first section connecting Gardendale to Pinson and more than $570 million in federal funding.
The Northern Beltline will be a 52-mile interstate—Interstate 422—extending from I-59 in northeast Jefferson County to the I-459 interchange near Bessemer.
Bessemer’s economic development moves forward.