The City of Hartselle and the Alabama Department of Transportation are entering into an agreement begin the first phase in widening Thompson Road from I-65 to U.S. 31.

This project would add three lanes to Thompson Road to improve access to the Morgan Center Business Park and the existing Hartselle-Morgan County Industrial Park.

The project would also include a bridge replacement over the CSX railroad tracks near U.S. 31.

Department of Development Director Jeff Johnson said the state is slated to pay about 80 percent of project while 20 percent will be paid by local funding.

“If the project amount exceeds the projected cost, then the city would be responsible for that funding,” Johnson said. “However, the city could apply for help to the MPO to help make up the difference.”

After the land acquisition phase is complete, some utilities would have to be moved and final designs of the roadway would have to be completed before construction would start.

The city is currently also in the design phase for the widening of Alabama 36 from I-65 to Roan Road. However, no official target date has been set to begin construction.