$4 improvements for I-65 to Maxwell Air Force Base approved

The Maxwell Capital Gateway Project is receiving a $4 million federal investment for critical roadway and bridge improvements through the Fiscal Year 2026 Homeland Security Appropriations Act. Spearheaded by U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.), chair of the subcommittee on Homeland Security Appropriations, this crucial funding will modernize the primary link connecting Interstate 65 to Maxwell-Gunter Air Force Base.

The gateway serves as the primary link connecting Interstate 65 to Maxwell-Gunter Air Force Base, which accommodates thousands of military personnel, civilian employees, students, contractors and visitors daily.

Montgomery infrastructure upgrades on Washington Ferry Road

The $4 million in federal funds will target significant roadway and bridge improvements to Washington Ferry Road, stretching from US-31 to the Rear Access Gate Entrance at Maxwell Air Force Base.

According to city and federal officials, the construction updates will include:

• Regrading existing ditches and performing shoulder clipping to optimize drainage.
• Resurfacing the existing 22-foot roadway from US-31 to the existing bridge at West End Ditch.
• Modifying the West End Ditch bridge to replace outside deck panels and retrofit the structure with brand-new concrete barrier rails.

“This investment will not only improve Washington Ferry Road and access to Maxwell Air Force Base, but it will also enhance the safety, efficiency, and responsiveness of natural disaster operations,” said Senator Britt. “From supporting military readiness to enabling faster disaster response across the Southeast, I’m thrilled to see funding directed toward projects that will strengthen infrastructure.”

– Senator Katie Britt

Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed echoed the sentiment, noting that public safety begins with a resilient foundation.

“This $4 million in federal funding allows us to address essential roadway and bridge improvements that ensure our first responders can move efficiently and our neighborhoods remain connected.”

– Mayor Steven Reed

Maxwell Air Force Base economic + community impact

Maxwell Air Force Base stands as a powerhouse for the River Region and the entire state of Alabama. It generates more than $2.6 billion in economic impact annually and supports over 15,000 direct and indirect jobs. As the Air Force’s primary center for education, leadership development and cyber operations, modernizing its infrastructure is critical to national defense.

Beyond defense, the updates offer massive benefits to the broader Montgomery community:

• Reduced congestion: The project establishes a seamless, direct connection between I-65 and the base, easing daily traffic.
• Economic development: The modernized corridor creates fresh opportunities for commercial, technology and defense-related industries.
• Disaster preparedness: The roadway provides vital access for FEMA to stage and deploy resources safely and rapidly during national disasters across the Southeast.

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