By Alabama Public Radio
Jasper, AL – The highway project, first funded in 1983 and called Corridor X, will eventually link Birmingham with Memphis as I-22. When completed, it could cost one billion dollars. The November 22nd opening includes 15 miles from the Jasper Industrial Park west and 16 miles from Carbon Hill to just inside the Marion County line, forming a westward connection with Fulton. Department of Transportation spokesman Tony Harris says the Carbon Hill section of I-22 has been open to local traffic and patrolled by state troopers for months. The November 22nd opening leaves 34 miles of the interstate to be completed between Jasper and I-65 in Birmingham. Governor Riley is expected to open the highway next week.