Reviewed by: Liv George
New $14.6M welcome center opens off I-65 in Ardmore [PHOTOS]
Reading time: 2 minutes
After nearly two years of construction and renovations, the Ardmore Welcome Center just off Interstate 65 is officially re-opened for travelers.
The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) invested around $14.6 million across two phases of construction to revamp the facilities and grounds around the rest area located near the Tennessee state line.
Keep reading to see details on the state’s newly-renovated welcome center.
Ardmore Welcome Center
ALDOT opened the original welcome center in 1976.
Before construction could begin, a $6.6 million project with Wiregrass Construction helped clear the old grounds including:
- Building demolition
- Site preparation
- New parking lots and lighting
- Maintenance buildings
- Pavilions
- Ramp improvements
A nearly $8 million project with Consolidated Construction Company of Alabama built the main facility.
The new building contains a spacious lobby and includes:
- 4 main restrooms
- ALGO maps with live-travel information
- Brochures on local destinations and events
ALDOT also rearranged the grounds to place the welcome center between the passenger vehicle and truck/bus parking areas. However, many old trees went untouched, leaving plenty of shaded areas. Improved sidewalks connect the building to picnic pavilions and to monument park.
Ribbon-cutting ceremony
The department officially held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Wednesday, Oct. 16, to celebrate the re-opening of the rest area.
Officials included:
- State Tourism Director Lee Sentell
- State Reps. Danny Crawford, Andy Whitt, and Parker Moore
- Athens Mayor Ronnie Marks
- Elkmont Mayor Tracy Compton
The Alabama Department of Transportation, Alabama Department of Tourism, Athens-Limestone Chamber of Commerce, and Greater Ardmore Chamber of Commerce hosted the event.
“For many, this welcome center is their first introduction to our great state and what it has to offer. As always, we will continue to greet guests with true southern hospitality. Now, they will be able to experience that old-fashioned hospitality while also enjoying the comforts of a modern building.”
~ Curtis Vincent, ALDOT North Region Engineer
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