Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin is proposing an interstate rail line instead of the much-debated widening of Interstate 65.
For months, Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth has bemoaned the perpetual traffic jams and gridlock that plagues a vast stretch of I-65, the most traveled interstate in Alabama – often using the congested highway to bash the over $1 billion project in a far less traveled highway in West Alabama.
On Friday, at an appearance at the Alabama GOP's Summer Dinner, former President Donald Trump quipped he would make turning I-65 into a six-lane highway a first-day priority should he re-win the presidency.
Ainsworth subsequently praised Trump for his recommendation, saying he was "proud that President Trump is endorsing and supporting my plan to widen I-65."
I’m proud that President Trump is endorsing and supporting my plan to widen I-65. He pledged tonight that the first day he’s back in the White House he will put federal funding towards widening I-65 from Huntsville to Mobile to keep Alabama’s economy growing. #gowide65 https://t.co/eLnlWApEkG
— Will Ainsworth (@willainsworthAL) August 5, 2023
In response, Woodfin dismissed the idea, claiming that widening I-65 would do nothing to alleviate the congestion and that a high-speed rail system would be preferable.
Instead of pouring millions into widening I-65 — which studies show won't alleviate congestion — why not invest in high-speed rail?
— Randall Woodfin (@randallwoodfin) August 7, 2023
We can connect communities, reduce traffic, & make AL a leader in sustainable infrastructure.
A train to the beach is way better than driving!🚆
"Instead of pouring millions into widening I-65 — which studies show won't alleviate congestion — why not invest in high-speed rail?" Woodfin said on social media. "We can connect communities, reduce traffic, & make AL a leader in sustainable infrastructure. A train to the beach is way better than driving!"
After receiving a bevy of derisive comments, Woodfin retorted that the rail would not be mandatory and people could still use the congested highway if they wished.
Some folks in the comments here thinking that having a high speed rail system would mean eliminating car travel. 🙄
— Randall Woodfin (@randallwoodfin) August 7, 2023
You could still CHOOSE to take your car if you want to.
In the richest country on the planet, we can have both.
Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email craig.monger@1819news.com.
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