Mayor Tommy Battle Calls for State and Federal Road Funding

In a state of the city address delivered to the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce, Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle called on federal and state governments to fund major road projects, the Madison Record reported on November 9, 2026.

The mayor said the rapid influx of residents has worn down existing infrastructure.

The Huntsville metro area population has jumped by 27% over the last ten years, reaching a total of 570,000 people. That rapid growth has placed heavy strain on area roads, prompting local leaders to demand outside financial assistance.

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“Huntsville has done its part to help deliver a half a billion dollars in road improvements,” Mayor Battle said during his address. “We’ve invested our own tax dollars to accelerate state projects because our growth didn’t wait. So, now, we need the state and federal governments to step up.”

Battle specifically pointed to several critical corridors requiring immediate attention from Montgomery and Washington. These priorities include extending I-565 to Shields Road, rebuilding the interchange at I-565 and Memorial Parkway, and expanding capacity on Highway 72 west.

According to the mayor, these transportation arteries are major state and federal highways whose necessary expansions stretch far beyond what a single municipality can afford. He noted that city officials have remained patient partners while directing local funds toward regional development.

We’ve been patient. Now, it’s North Alabama’s turn, he stated, adding that he intends to continue pressing the case for transportation investment in both state and federal capitals.

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The city’s ongoing financial commitments include improvements to Exit 3 on I-565 at Highway 20, Resolute Way, and Winchester Road. Huntsville is also funding the relocation of County Line Road to accommodate an additional runway at Huntsville International Airport. Battle noted that these local projects are intended to provide residents with less congestion, better connections, and more time back with our families.

Huntsville now ranks as the 94th largest city in the United States by population and the 28th largest by land mass. The 27% growth in population since 2016 places Huntsville among the top 20 fastest-growing cities in the country.