Much to my surprise when recently viewing aerials (2005 or so) of Mobile County, work is well underway involving the Alabama 158 extension west from U.S. 45 to the proposed extension of Schillinger Road (Mobile County 31). Included in the extension is the upgrade of the intersection between U.S. 45 and Alabama 158 and the Alabama 158 grade separation with Mobile County 55 (College Parkway) to full interchanges.

Aerial showing construction for an extension of Alabama 158 west from U.S. 45 in Mobile County.

The upgrade is supposed to tie into the new U.S. 98 Wilmer Bypass at Schillinger Road, which ground broke earlier this year. The Alabama 158 widening between U.S. 45 and Interstate 65 comes at a good time as a new NASCAR track http://www.alabamamotorsports.com is planned for the swath of land north of Alabama 158, west of Kali-Oka Road (Mobile County 55), and east of the abandoned railroad parallel to U.S. 45. The new track site-plan includes a second diamond interchange along Alabama 158 at the future west entrance.