$14M ALDOT project begins with demolition of popular I-65 rest stop

A project to replace the rest area on Interstate 65 just outside Greenville is officially underway.

The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) announced it has begun demolition of the rest area on I-65 South. The project will cost $14 million and is expected to be completed by Spring 2026.

Keep reading to find out more about the project + how it will impact drivers heading toward the coast.

New rest stop coming to Butler County

ALDOT announced earlier this month that this rest area was being replaced by a larger and updated structure. The new structure will have additional stalls, urinals, and family restrooms. 

During construction, the rest area and parking lot will be closed. The northbound rest area will remain open.

ALDOT is still finalizing plans and securing funds to replace the northbound rest area after completion of the southbound one.

The approximately $14 million project was awarded to W.S. Newell & Sons, Inc., out of Montgomery, who had the lowest bid that met the project requirements. 

Where will you stop instead?

For many beachgoers, the rest stop outside Greenville was a regular stop on the drive down Interstate 65. If you’re a rest area kind of person, there will be a much bigger gap between stops while the new project is under construction.

Over the next two years, there will be no rest areas between Chilton and Conecuh counties. That’s roughly 124 miles between rest stops.

But that doesn’t mean there won’t be places to stop along the way. Montgomery sits between those two stops to help break up the drive.

Greenville also offers different spots to take a break, from your normal fast food joints right off the interstate to several local restaurants you can enjoy. I’d personally recommend stopping at Real Pit Bar-B-Q.

What do you think about ALDOT’s new project? Do you think the rest stop needed to be replaced? Let us know by tagging The Bama Buzz on Instagram, X, Facebook + LinkedIn.