Alabama State Route 146 (SR 146) is a short state highway located entirely within Tuscaloosa County in the western part of the U.S. state of Alabama. The route serves as a connector between Interstate 20/Interstate 59 (I‑20/I‑59) and U.S. Route 11/U.S. Route 80 (US 11/US 80) near the city of Tuscaloosa.
Route description
- Length: Approximately 2.5 mi (4.0 km).
- Western terminus: Interchange with I‑20/I‑59 at exit 71, positioned southeast of the Tuscaloosa‑University of Alabama campus area.
- Eastern terminus: Intersection with US 11/US 80 (McFarland Boulevard) within the Tuscaloosa city limits.
- County: Tuscaloosa County.
The highway is primarily a divided, four‑lane surface road that provides access to commercial areas, residential neighborhoods, and the University of Alabama campus. It is frequently referred to locally as “University Drive,” though the official designation remains SR 146.
History
SR 146 was established in the early 1970s as part of a state‑wide effort to improve regional connectivity and to accommodate increasing traffic volumes between the interstate system and the major east–west arterial route of US 11/US 80. Since its inception, the route has undergone minor upgrades, including resurfacing and the addition of signalized intersections to enhance safety.
Major intersections
| Milepost | Destination | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 0.0 | I‑20/I‑59 – Birmingham / Mobile | Western terminus (Exit 71) |
| 1.2 | SR 215 – Capstone Road | Partial interchange |
| 2.5 | US 11/US 80 – Tuscaloosa | Eastern terminus |
References
- Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) route logs and milepost maps.
- Official state highway maps of Alabama (1970s‑present).
This entry provides a concise overview of Alabama State Route 146 based on publicly available transportation records and state highway documentation.
