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Birmingham, AL Traffic and Road Conditions

Birmingham traffic map.

How to use the Birmingham Traffic Map Traffic flow lines : Red lines = Heavy traffic flow, Yellow/Orange lines = Medium flow and Green = normal traffic or no traffic*. Black lines or No traffic flow lines could indicate a closed road, but in most cases it means that either there is not enough vehicle flow to register or traffic isn't monitored. Also, If you do not see traffic flow, you can zoom in closer to reveal localized data. If you are unable to pan the map, press here (to focus off of the map) and try again.

* In known extreme weather events or accidents, the map provider may still show green lines, even if lanes or the entire road is closed.

Traffic Alert

• Click or touch the map to move in different directions.
• If you do not see any markers on the map, try zooming in one or two levels using "+" on the top left side. However, they are not always available.
• Click an incident icon on the map to get more information.

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ALDOT looking to clear heavy congestion issues on Highway 280

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) - Leaders with the Alabama Department of Transportation say they are working to make traffic around Birmingham more bearable.

Officials with ALDOT said that they are starting to work on some projects to improve traffic conditions in the Birmingham area. One of the most heavy-traffic spots around Birmingham is on Highway 280, and officials with ALDOT say that they are working to clear some of that congestion.

According to project engineers, ALDOT’s Highway 280 project will add lanes to both the west- and east-bound directions. They explained that the project would result in four lanes in each direction between Lakeshore and I-459.

Although the project is currently under design, officials say the bids for it will open next spring. According to Region Engineer DeJarvis Leonard, the work could start in late spring or summer with an estimated completion date of late 2025.

Leonard said that although the project will take some time, the work is much needed. He added that during rush hour the number of cars on 280 doubles from around 2,500 to around 5,200, so the project would help the road to deal with the influx of cars.

“Our engineering studies show that we will go from rush hour and peak times from an ‘F’ for congestion to somewhere around a ‘C’. So you’ll see a significant savings in time in your commute,” said Leonard.

As soon as work begins we will update you on the efforts and our First Alert Traffic Tracker will keep you posted on your expected commute times.

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Copyright 2023 WBRC. All rights reserved.

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Car Insurance

Home & renters insurance, car repair estimates, read car content, jerry data & research, how bad is birmingham traffic, how bad is birmingham traffic, why is birmingham traffic so bad, how to navigate birmingham traffic like a pro, prepare for birmingham traffic by updating your car insurance, are you overpaying for your car insurance, poor infrastructure.

Key Takeaway Poor infrastructure has been a major contributor to traffic congestion in Birmingham.

Major chokepoints

Driving habits, make safe driving pay.

• Avoid driving during rush hour . Birmingham’s morning rush stretches from about 6:30 to 9 a.m., and the evening rush lasts from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. But the absolute worst time to drive in Birmingham is after 5 p.m. on a Friday.
• Take back roads where possible . Birmingham sees a lot of traffic flowing south in the early evenings, and there are only two main arteries to handle it all (280 and I-65). Consider taking side roads, especially if you are planning to venture south past The Summit. That’s where traffic on 280 can really turn bad.
• Use a traffic app . The ALGO app gives live updates on road closures, traffic flow, and construction for Birmingham. You can also tune into News Radio 105.5 WERC for regular traffic updates.
• Keep your cool . If you do find yourself in a jam, stay cool. Traffic snarls can be frustrating, but the best course of action is to stay focused and don’t let your emotions get the better of you. The last thing you want is to get into an accident because you were distracted or driving impatiently.

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Some roads in central Alabama have reopened, use caution while traveling

B IRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) - Multiple counties reported hazardous conditions on many roads Monday evening due to ice. As of Tuesday afternoon, many of the roadways have reopened and drivers are encouraged to use caution while traveling.

According to ALEA authorities:

Jefferson County

Several minor crashes were reported in Jefferson County. Officials say the Westbound lanes on I-20 near the 136 mile marker are now open.

Blount County

Interstate 65 near the 285 mile marker is open. The northbound lane on Interstate 65 near the 291 mile marker is open.

Cullman County

Ice on Interstate 65 north of Cullman caused several accidents Monday night. Interstate 65 has reopened after those accidents were cleared. Officials say as of Tuesday afternoon, one northbound lane on Interstate 65 near the 298 mile marker is open.

Marion County

Ice and snow were present on roadways throughout the county Monday evening. All county roads are deemed impassable. No reported crashes currently.

Walker County

Ice and snow impacted the roadways throughout the county Monday evening. There is ice on Interstate 22 bridges. There are multiple crashes reported in the westbound lanes of Interstate 22 at the 46 mile marker. All roads in the county have been deemed impassable until further notice because of icy conditions.

Winston County

Ice and snow is present on roadways throughout the county. All county roads are deemed impassable . No reported crashes currently.

Etowah/Blount County Line

U.S. 278 has reports of treacherous icy, use caution when driving in the area.

If you absolutely must travel, you’re advised to drive slowly and be careful as you may hit icy spots at any point.

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Some alabama roads still icy because of winter storm, freezing weather.

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After winter weather surged over Alabama, state troopers with ALEA's Highway Patrol Division are working diligently to identify dangerous conditions on our roadways with cold weather keeping some spots iced over.

>> KNOW BEFORE YOU LEAVE: Interactive traffic map

ALEA troopers will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates accordingly. Motorists are urged to use caution when traveling and stay weather aware.

>> WVTM 13 ON-THE-GO: Download our app for free

Officials are reminding people to stay off the road unless travel is necessary and to not call 911 for road conditions.

Video below: Tractor-trailer crashes on I-65 in Jefferson County

>> YOUR FORECAST: The latest from WVTM 13 meteorologists

The following are road conditions according to ALEA and local law enforcement.

The last update from ALEA was at 8:30 a.m. Monday.

Blount County

• There are icy patches on shaded areas of roads

Cullman County

VIDEO BELOW: Parts of Highway 69 were closed in Cullman County because of icy road conditions

Jackson County

• AL 117 is closed from the 45 mile marker to the Tennessee state line
• AL 117 is closed from AL 91 to County Road 14
• Alabama 73 in Bryant is closed
• Secondary county roads are icy

Jefferson County

Video below: Truck gets stuck going uphill on I-65 Tuesday

Limestone County

• Icy patches on shaded areas of major roadways
• Cox Road and Blue Springs Drive are impassable
• Harvest Road and Batrumville Road are impassable

Madison County

• Charley Patterson Road is impassable
• Winchester Road near Honey Drive to the state line is covered in ice
• Old Big Cove Road, Darwin Road and Meridiaville Bottom Road are icy
• County roads in the north part of the county are deemed impassable.

Roadways worsened overnight. MPD urges citizens to stay off the roads. DO NOT DRIVE. — City of Madison, AL (@MadisonAlabama) January 18, 2024

Marshall County

• Some secondary county roads are icy

Morgan County

• Icy patches on shaded areas of county roads
• Childers Road is closed
• Bird Springs Road is closed

Stay weather aware

For the latest weather coverage for your area, click here . And stay updated with alerts in the WVTM 13 app. You can download it here .

For the latest Birmingham weather information and central Alabama's certified most accurate forecast, watch WVTM 13 News .

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Birmingham traffic

Live traffic.

Travel times and speeds are based on trip data anonymously collected from drivers within the larger metropolitan area (“metro”) throughout the complete road network — including fast roads and highways crossing this area.

Hourly speed and travel time per 10 km

• Last 48 hours
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Birmingham traffic in 2023

Travel time didn't change in Birmingham last year.

Travel times and speeds are based on worldwide trip data spanning 551 billion (10 9 ) km anonymously collected during the year from drivers within the larger metropolitan area (“metro”) or a 5 km radius from the center (“city center”) throughout the complete road network — including fast roads and highways crossing this area.

World rank 2023 365

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Winter storm watch issued for north Alabama, snow, icy roads could cause travel problems

From Tribune staff reports

BIRMINGHAM — The National Weather Service in Birmingham has issued a winter storm watch for north Alabama for Monday night into Tuesday. Northern most counties in Alabama are expected to see 1-4 inches of snow while freezing rain could extend further south into the Tribune coverage area.

Because temperatures are not expected to rise above freezing on Tuesday and because ground surfaces will be below freezing, any precipitation that falls is likely to cause travel problems into Wednesday.

As we all know, winter weather in the south is all about timing between precipitation and freezing temperatures. The temps will be cold enough. The amount of moisture is the question.

According to Birmingham meteorologist James Spann , a winter weather watch may be needed as far south as Birmingham and Tuscaloosa, but a lack of moisture could allow the I-20 corridor to avoid travel problems all together.

Spann said, “the best chance of accumulating snow is along and north of a line from Winfield to Decatur to Scottsboro, where the winter storm watch has been issued. Snow amounts here will likely be in the 1-4 inch range. Travel impact is likely.”

NWS maps show a possibility of a dusting of snow as far south as Shelby County.

“Some light freezing rain or light freezing drizzle is possible over the northern half of Alabama Tuesday morning,” Spann said. “This can lead to ice accumulating on exposed objects. Even through precipitation is expected to be very light, this could lead to some icy spots (mainly on bridges) as far south as I-20 Tuesday morning.”

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Heavy delays into Birmingham after multi-vehicle collision

Drivers were warned of heavy delays to morning traffic heading into Birmingham following a major collision.

The incident happened on the A456 Hagley Road West at Wolverhampton Road, and has seen one lane blocked entering Birmingham.

The incident was first reported at around 8am on Tuesday, with drivers reporting of heavy disruptions to regular traffic flow.

On X, West Midlands Roads said: "A456 Hagley Road West at Wolverhampton Road. Multi-vehicle road traffic collision. Lane blocked heading towards the city.

"Police, fire and ambulance services are on the scene. Allow extra time to travel or consider alternative routes."

Emergency services have been approached for more information.

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• I-65 Traffic > I-65 Alabama Traffic Road Conditions

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I-65 Alabama Traffic

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Traffic Birmingham

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• Nearby: Birmingham Edgbaston Bournville Smethwick West Bromwich Castle Bromwich

Current traffic around Birmingham

The following traffic incidents and congestion for Birmingham have been reported by Highways England, Traffic Scotland, Traffic Wales or Transport for London (TfL) in the last two hours:

Traffic in Nearby Villages

• Lee Bank (0.45mi)
• Digbeth (0.48mi)
• Newtown (0.94mi)
• Ladywood (0.98mi)
• Netchells Green (0.99mi)
• Vauxhall (0.99mi)
• Bordesley (1.01mi)
• Highgate (1.02mi)
• Gib Heath (1.28mi)
• Lozells (1.54mi)
• Rotton Park (1.56mi)
• Saltley (1.59mi)
• Balsall Heath (1.62mi)
• Winson Green (1.77mi)
• Aston (1.79mi)
• Chad Valley (1.81mi)
• Vale, The (1.83mi)
• Edgbaston (1.83mi)
• Sparkbrook (1.85mi)
• Birchfield (2.16mi)
• Summerfield Park (2.17mi)
• Nechells (2.18mi)
• Little Bromwich (2.21mi)
• Bordesley Green (2.21mi)

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Please remember that it is against the law to use your mobile phone, tablet or any electronic device without a hands-free kit whilst driving.If you're caught by the police using any device that can send or receive data whilst driving or riding a motorcyle you'll get an automatic fixed penalty notice, 6 points on your licence and a fine of £200.A court could also disqualify you from driving.

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Baltimore bridge collapse: What happened and what is the death toll?

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Lisa's journalism career spans two decades, and she currently serves as the Americas Day Editor for the Global News Desk. She played a pivotal role in tracking the COVID pandemic and leading initiatives in speed, headline writing and multimedia. She has worked closely with the finance and company news teams on major stories, such as the departures of Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey and Amazon’s Jeff Bezos and significant developments at Apple, Alphabet, Facebook and Tesla. Her dedication and hard work have been recognized with the 2010 Desk Editor of the Year award and a Journalist of the Year nomination in 2020. Lisa is passionate about visual and long-form storytelling. She holds a degree in both psychology and journalism from Penn State University.

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Port of Baltimore suspends ship traffic after bridge collapse: What it means for travel

Travel is being impacted by Tuesday’s Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse along Interstate 695 in Baltimore, Maryland. 

Drivers were immediately directed to take alternate routes through the city, following the early morning incident. What’s less clear is what the bridge collapse may mean for upcoming cruises in and out of Baltimore.

“Vessel traffic into and out of the Port of Baltimore is suspended until further notice,” the Port of Baltimore posted on X, formerly Twitter.

Live Updates: Baltimore's Key Bridge collapses after ship hits it; construction crew missing

Rep. Kweisi Mfume, D-Md., whose district includes the bridge and the port, called the collapse an “unthinkable horror” and said he had spoken with Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and the White House. 

Learn more: Best travel insurance

“They are responding with all of the assets at their disposal,” he said in a statement. “Our prayers right now are for the missing individuals and victims of this tragedy. We thank God for the effective service of our first responders.”

Here’s what we know.

Which cruises go to Baltimore?

Several major cruise lines serve Baltimore. According to the Cruise Lines International Association, the industry’s leading trade group, published itineraries in the 2024 calendar year include a dozen ships making 115 stops in Baltimore.

“We are deeply saddened by the tragedy and collapse of the Key Bridge that occurred last night and extend our support and heartfelt prayers to all those impacted,” CLIA spokesperson Anne Madison said in an emailed statement. “We join everyone in extending our thanks and appreciation to the first responders and emergency workers in Baltimore, the U.S. Coast Guard, and other professionals who are working with one goal in mind—to save lives. We are closely following this situation.”

Carnival’s website shows Carnival Pride and Carnival Legend also have sailings into or out of Baltimore set for April. 

Carnival Legend will temporarily move operations to Norfolk, Virginia.

The ship's current cruise, which left for a planned round-trip sailing from Baltimore on March 24, will end in Norfolk on Sunday. Passengers will then receive free bus rides to Baltimore. The vessel's next cruise will sail round-trip from Norfolk later that day.

“Our thoughts remain with the impacted families and first responders in Baltimore,” Carnival president Christine Duffy said in a statement. “We appreciate the pledge made by President Biden today to dedicate all available resources to reopen Baltimore Harbor to marine traffic as soon as possible. As those plans are finalized, we will update our future cruise guests on when we will return home to Baltimore, but in the meantime, we appreciate the quick response and support from officials in Norfolk.”

The cruise line has not yet shared plans for Carnival Pride. Carnival's parent company, Carnival Corp., said the temporary change in homeport is estimated to have an impact of up to $10 million on adjusted EBITDA and adjusted net income this year, according to a news release .

Royal Caribbean's Vision of the Seas, which left from Baltimore on March 23 , will return to Norfolk instead on April 4. "Our guests on board will be provided compensation and complimentary shuttle transportation as well as Wi-Fi and phone calls to adjust their travel arrangements," a spokesperson said in an email.

The ship's April 4 and 12 cruises will leave from Norfolk, too. "Our guests booked to sail with us will receive compensation due to the necessary adjustments made to their vacations," the spokesperson added. "After returning from the April 12 cruise, Vision will head to the Bahamas for its previously scheduled maintenance."

Was your cruise itinerary changed?: What to do next

American Cruise Lines has roundtrip sailings from Baltimore scheduled in May, according to its website.

“We will monitor the situation and make adjustments to future cruises if needed, but at the present time our schedules remain unaffected, and our thoughts remain with those affected by the immediate situation and rescue efforts underway,” an American Cruise Lines spokesperson told USA TODAY.

Norwegian Cruise Line doesn’t appear to have any Baltimore sailings until September on Norwegian Sky . The line will stay in contact with the port and share any changes with passengers and travel partners, according to a spokesperson.

"In the meantime, we wish the city of Baltimore strength during this very unfortunate event," they said in an email.

Alternate routes for the Baltimore bridge

Most drivers can take Interstate 95 (Fort McHenry Tunnel) or Interstate 895 (Baltimore Harbor Tunnel) to avoid the collapsed bridge. However Maryland Transportation Authority notes there are some exceptions .

Vehicles carrying hazardous materials, including more than 10 pounds of propane, are not allowed in the tunnels. Additionally, vehicles more than 13-feet and 6-inches high or 8-feet wide may not use the 1-895 Baltimore Harbor Tunnel. Vehicles more than 14-feet and 6-inches high or 11-feet wide may not use the I-95 Fort McHenry Tunnel. 

Those vehicles should use the western portion of I-695 instead.

New UK car headlight rules because drivers currently face 'real problem'

A petition launched by Margaret Rutter has reached 10,000 signatures, prompting the Department for Transport to respond.

• 16:12, 2 APR 2024

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A new driving and road rule will address the "real problem" of dazzling headlights in a "victory" for all drivers. A petition launched by Margaret Rutter has reached 10,000 signatures, prompting the Department for Transport to respond.

he Department for Transport is set to launch a review of dazzling headlights after the pressure. Margaret wrote: "The Government should launch a review into the problem of some headlights causing oncoming traffic drivers to be unable to see clearly and safely. The review should be conducted with car manufacturers to find solutions.

"The RAC raised this issue as far back as 2018 and its recent study showed that nine-in-10 drivers think some or most car headlights on the UK’s roads are too bright. Government data shows that there are around 300 collisions every year where dazzling headlights are a factor. The problem has not been dealt with and I feel is getting worse. Nearly every driver I speak to agrees with me that it is a problem for them too.”

READ MORE All the parts of England set for snow on Wednesday with seven places worst-hit

Rod Dennis, road safety spokesperson for the RAC, said the review was a “real turning point” and was pleased that the topic had “struck a chord with motorists”. He added: “An independent study provides a golden opportunity for the Government and industry to get to the bottom of the problem, identify the factors involved and map out a way forward.

“We’re aware of regulatory changes being made at an international level that will hopefully make a difference in many years to come, but are concerned that these alone may not be enough to address headlight dazzle.” Baroness Hayter of Kentish Town said: “This is a victory for all those drivers affected by glare who’ve complained to their MP, signed the parliamentary petition, or indeed sought help from an optometrist – only to discover the problem was with headlights, and not their eyes.

“This is an issue the RAC has long campaigned on and I am delighted the Government has recognised there is a real problem. We look forward to discussing its research in due course.” The DfT responded to the petition and said: "All vehicle headlamps are designed and tested to follow international standards to ensure that they are both bright enough to illuminate the road but don’t affect the vision of other road users. The standards define the beam pattern and include maximum and minimum light intensities. We know that lots of people raise concerns about headlight glare – but also that the police collision statistics don’t show any underlying road safety issue.

"Because of that lack of evidence, the Department for Transport (DfT) raised the issue at the United Nations international expert group on vehicle lighting. Proposals to amend headlamp aiming rules were agreed in April 2023, together with requirements for mandatory automatic headlamp levelling which automatically corrects the aim of the headlamps based on the loading of the vehicle e.g. when passengers are sat on the back seat or there is luggage in the boot.

"The transitional provisions permit sufficient time for vehicle manufacturers to redesign their products and adapt the manufacturing process, with the tighter tolerances expected to come into effect in September 2027.

"Once implemented, these tougher requirements will help alleviate the number of cases where road users are dazzled. In addition, the DfT also plans to commission independent research to better understand the root causes of driver glare and identify any further appropriate mitigations."

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Struggling private Birmingham-Southern College in Alabama says it will close at end of May

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Birmingham-Southern College, a private liberal arts college in Alabama, will close at the end of May after running into financial difficulties and being unable to secure a financial lifeline from the state, officials announced Tuesday.

The College Board of Trustees voted unanimously to close the longtime institution, officials said in a news release. The announcement came after legislation aimed at securing a taxpayer-backed loan for the 168-year-old private college recently stalled in the Alabama Statehouse.

“This is a tragic day for the College, our students, our employees, and our alumni,” the Rev. Keith D. Thompson, chairman of the Board of Trustees, said in a statement from the college. “But it is also a terrible day for Birmingham, for the neighborhoods who have surrounded our campus for more than 100 years, and for Alabama.”

A number of small private colleges nationwide are struggling with a declining number of traditional college-aged students and competition from larger, richer institutions.

The college of about 1,000 students is located on the west side of Birmingham, one of Alabama’s principal cities.

The decision to close follows years of financial difficulties and efforts to keep the institution open. The college said the financial crash of 2009 caused a $25 million loss to the value of its endowment. An audit in 2010 uncovered significant accounting errors in the budgeting of federal student financial aid, which led to budget cuts and layoffs. Moody’s Investors Service downgraded the college’s bonds after revenue declines caused the college to drew heavily upon its endowment.

The private college had hoped to secure a financial lifeline from the state. The Alabama Legislature created a loan program last year to provide financial help to distressed colleges, but state Treasurer Young Boozer denied the school’s loan application .

New legislation was introduced this year. The college said in a news release that conversations with House leadership “confirmed that the bill did not have enough support to move forward.”

Supporters of the legislation had hoped to keep the college open not just for the sake of the institution, but because of the impact on the surrounding neighborhoods if the 192-acre (78-hectare) campus is shuttered

Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin said news of the closure is “disappointing and heartbreaking to all of us who recognize it as a stalwart of our community.”

“I’ve stood alongside members of our City Council to protect this institution and its proud legacy of shaping leaders. It’s frustrating that those values were not shared by lawmakers in Montgomery,” Woodfin said Tuesday.

Birmingham-Southern Provost Laura K. Stultz said the college is working on agreements with other institutions to helps students “maximize the transfer of credits to keep them on track.”

The school dates to 1856, when Southern University was founded in Greensboro, Alabama. That school merged with Birmingham College in 1918 to become Birmingham-Southern, with a campus west of downtown Birmingham.