An extension of the Mobile County 39 (McDonald Road) divided highway constructed in the mid-2000s will take place on May 20, 2009. County Highway 39 was realigned eastward to meet Interstate 10 at a new six-ramp partial-cloverleaf interchange that opened January 12, 2005. Presently the four-lane road ends at U.S. 90 by Irvington.

Work began December 2007 on a $10.2 million extension of County Highway 39 from a folded-diamond interchange with U.S. 90 to Padgett Switch Road at Half Mile Road to the south. This construction is very near completion based upon a recent visit and a Mobile Press Register news story published today http://www.al.com/news/press-register/metro.ssf?/base/news/1242033319178240.xml&coll=3″.

Upon completion, travelers heading to/from Interstate 10 and Bayou La Batre will have a direct route to Mobile and points north for hurricane evacuation purposes. The placement of a CSX Railroad parallel to U.S. 90 allows for County Highway 39 to have not only an interchange with U.S. 90. but also an interchange with Park Boulevard and Gibson Road near Mobile International Raceway.

View some images from the soon to be opened highway.

Departing Mobile County 39 on the U.S. 90 off-ramp; construction is clearly near completion. Photo taken 04/26/09.

Leaving Mobile International Raceway, trailblazers were posted for Interstate 10 and U.S. 90. Gibson Road enters from the left and will provide access (via a folded diamond interchange) to Mobile County 39 north for Exit 10 of the freeway. Photo taken 04/26/09.

Padgett Switch Road northbound at Half Mile Road and the future beginning of Mobile County 39 north. Note that the intersection will include a full traffic light upon opening. The road begins with just two lanes initially. Photo taken 04/26/09.