[Revisited] Interstate 65: Southbound in Birmingham – Alabama

Drive America’s Highways for 3 miles along Interstate 65 southbound in Birmingham, Alabama.

Our short but interesting drive southbound on Interstate 65 through Birmingham begins just north of downtown at the junction with Interstate 22. This area marks the transition between Birmingham’s northern residential districts and its urban core. Almost immediately after merging onto I-65, the city skyline comes into view, with towering structures like the Wells Fargo Tower and Regions-Harbert Plaza standing prominently on the horizon.

As we travel south, we pass under a series of overpasses connecting the grid of local surface streets above. Neighborhoods like Fountain Heights and Druid Hills border the route here, though most of the surroundings consist of a dense mix of commercial buildings, parking decks, and industrial infrastructure. To the west, you’re not far from the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex (BJCC), the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame, and the newly revitalized Uptown district, though none are directly visible from the road. These areas offer dining, entertainment, and cultural attractions just a few blocks away from the highway.

Approaching downtown, I-65 begins a dramatic dance with several other major interstates. The massive interchange with Interstate 20 and Interstate 59—often nicknamed the “Malfunction Junction” by locals—comes into view. It’s a dizzying stack of ramps and bridges that split and rejoin at different angles and elevations. Southbound traffic on I-65 peels off onto a flyover ramp that sweeps eastward, merging seamlessly onto the combined I-20/I-59 corridor. It’s here that our short journey on I-65 ends, but travelers continuing southeast will find themselves headed toward the city of Irondale, while others may connect westbound toward Bessemer or eastbound into the heart of Birmingham’s eastern suburbs.

While this stretch of road might be short, it’s an essential connector in Birmingham’s complex highway network. Whether you’re commuting, passing through, or exploring the area, this portion of I-65 offers a quick but impactful view of the city’s layout and infrastructure.

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