Interstate 759 Alabama
Overview
Interstate 759 branches east from I-59 across the city of Gadsden to U.S. 411 (Rainbow Drive) south of Downtown. The four lane freeway connects with Black Creek Parkway south to Rainbow City and crosses Lake Black Creek on a causeway linking with U.S. 411 and State Route 759 east. SR 759 extends from the east end of I-759 across the Coosa River to SR 291 (George Wallace Drive).
I-759 Extension
Plans for potential extensions of Interstate 759 date back to 1985. Creating a bypass route for U.S. 431, proposals discussed taking I-759 westward to U.S. 431 in Attalla and northeastward to U.S. 278 & 431 on the east side of Gadsden.
An Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) was submitted for the eastern extension by July 2006, and an article published in The Gadsden Times on November 14, 2010, indicated that the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) suggested a parkway style design eastward to an elevated roadway at Meighan Boulevard (U.S. 431).1 This differed from previous proposals for an elevated viaduct along the entire extension.2
A study addressing traffic needs in Etowah County presented on November 16, 2015 recommended four short-term improvements over a 20-year period. Of those, an updated study for the I-759 extension was included.3
ALDOT agreed to fast track construction of the Alabama State Route 759 extension east from I-759 to the split of U.S. 278 and 431 (Meighan Boulevard) on April 3, 2017. The new road was designed as a controlled access arterial, with an at-grade intersection at George Wallace Drive and right in right out (RIRO) connections elsewhere. Work was anticipated to take two to three years to complete.4
The FHWA rescinded the Notice of Intent (NOI) for the I-759 Extension – Federal-aid project HPP-1602(539) in August 2018. The NOI was published in the Federal Register on October 4, 2004. However due to numerous impacts to historic resources identified in environmental studies and opposition, the FHWA determined the project be rescinded.5
History
Work on a $41-million project to construct the Gadsden Spur commenced in April 1982. Opening of the freeway took place on October 22, 1986. This included the two lane spur (SR 759) northeast from U.S. 411 to SR 291 (George Wallace Drive).6 A second span was built across the Coosa River along I-759/SR 759 between August 2002 and Summer 2004 at a cost of $8.4 million.7
Route Information
East End – Gadsden, AL
West End – Attalla, AL
Mileage – 4.50
Cities – Attalla, Gadsden, Rainbow City
Junctions –
Source: December 31, 2018 Interstate Route Log and Finders List
I-759 Annual Average Daily Traffic (AADT)
Location | Vehicles per day |
---|---|
I-59 to Exit 2 | 19,090 |
Exits 2 to 4 | 25,870 |
Exit 4 to SR 291 | 27,880 |
Source: 2017 AADT – Alabama Traffic Data
ALDOT Transportation Planning Bureau
The route of SR 227 shown on the Gadsden inset is now a part of the 4.6-mile long SR 211.

Highway Guides
East End
– Gadsden, Alabama
West End
– Attalla, Alabama
Sources:
- “I-759 extension may have changes.” The Gadsden Times (AL), November 14, 2010.
- “I-759 back on drawing board.” The Gadsden Times (AL), June 12, 1993.
- “ALDOT official: I-759 extension needed.” The Gadsden Times (AL), November 16, 2015.
- “Interstate 759 extension through East Gadsden on ALDOT’s fast track.” The Gadsden Times (AL), April 3, 2017.
- “Rescinding the Notice of Intent for an Environmental Impact Statement; Gadsden, Etowah County, Alabama.” Federal Register, August 29, 2018.
- “I-759 opens Wednesday.” The Gadsden Times (AL), October 20, 1986.
- “I-759 bridge closer to completion.” The Gadsden Times (AL), January 25, 2004.
Page updated May 15, 2017.