By 
June 29, 2026
Most of the time, 2.25 miles doesn’t sound like a lot. It’s a good distance for a nice stroll or less than two minutes driving on the interstate.
But on Winchester Road between Dominion Circle to Naugher Road, where the City of Huntsville is actively working to widen this area to five lanes, 2.25 miles is a long way.
The work is ongoing even though there are no traffic barrels along Winchester, nor is there a fleet of heavy equipment staged on site. But the work – perhaps out of the public view – is ongoing.
The blue line highlights the 2.25 miles between Dominion Circle and Naugher Road to be widened to five lanes.
Before the actual construction can begin, there are required steps – in an oversimplification – that must take place in accordance with state and federal requirements based upon the funding for the project. First, the City must complete an environmental document that reviews all existing and future site conditions to design the roadway, then acquire rights of way from each property owner for widening of the road but also for relocation and maintenance of existing utilities.
Only after all needed property has been acquired can utility companies begin to relocate. Each utility provider must complete installation of new utilities before the old utilities can be removed to maintain existing services for customers.
“Funding is not an issue on this project,” City Engineer Kathy Martin said. “We are continuing to work on the things that are within our control. But there are many things that are dependent upon others.”
The City Council recently approved two additional utility relocation agreements for utility providers, for a collective of seven total utility providers in conflict with this road project. However, they cannot move the utilities until all new right-of-way and easements have been secured.
Currently, acquisition is still ongoing. On this section of Winchester Road, there are 77 tracts that must be purchased for the roadway project. Acquisition of these tracts are in various stages of completion with approximately seven remaining as of earlier this year.
The acquisition process is further complicated by the fact that this corridor has seen significant growth lately which may cause an increase in property values during this time, this frequently requires re-appraisals of tracts. In some cases, the City must obtain multiple appraisals on each tract to determine fair market value for private property. The Alabama Department of Transportation must also approve each appraisal prior to offers being made to property owners. Property owners have the right to negotiate, or decline offers for multiple reasons.
Another factor: The stretch of Winchester between Dominion Circle and Naugher Road is largely beyond the Huntsville city limits, which means the city has no oversight over development in the County. As a result, property owners can choose to sell, subdivide, or develop their land in accordance with County regulations at any time. Once that happens, the process for the city to acquire the property must begin again.
“It’s has been a constant cycle for us, but the growth supports the need for the road improvements” Martin said.
Securing all property needed is the key that unlocks the ability for construction to begin on the road project.
“It’s a federal process when acquiring right-of-way,” Martin said. “We are aware of the delays this project has seen and continue to work on items that are within our control as quickly and efficiently as possible.”
