18-03 Birmingham #3 US-280 West, I-20 East and more

This video follows US-280 West to its end at I-20/59 West then up top I-65 North where we turn around and jump to I-20/59 East and leave the Birmingham area. All music and equipment FAQ's are in the closing credits.

[@assaultislove]

The beauty around Birmingham is seriously underrated

[@elainegreen5855]

WoW! You do an absolutely amazing job with the information pop ups. Thank you, so much for your videos. We used to travel all over the United States and sometimes I really miss it. When I stumbled across your channel, I was delighted... it's like being back on the road again. Thank you : )

[@Freewayjim]

Thank you very much for the kind comment and for watching!

[@jellybellysteve]

Was in Birmingham Monday. Took my wife to Whataburger. She had never been before. She enjoyed it. Your video gave her the idea. We live in Waleska ,Georgia. It was 3 hrs on way. Well worth it.

[@Freewayjim]

Awesome! glad you all enjoyed it!

[@jellybellysteve]

I've bn before she had not. Yes we really enjoyed it. She's ready to go again. Wish one was closer

[@Freewayjim]

@@darrellw.redding3698 Thank you!

[@yourinternetfavt]

I live in metro birmingham and honestly we are growing as a city and it’s like our interstates and highways aren’t prepared for it. just like I-459 which is our “city loop” it’s becoming too congested especially over the years. it’s time for it to be 4 lanes and not 3 anymore. Hwy 280 needs to be widen or have the toll road ideal they had back in 2012 or so. I-65 is hell almost any time now. I will not getting on I-65 between 4-6:30 no sir. and back to hwy 280 it’s overcrowded now i live right off of it and it’s just exhausting now. anytime of the day is hell. AND ITS A HIGHWAY, not a interstate nor a freeway.

[@dylanremmick5671]

280 has always been a nightmare during rush hours

[@seanh2198]

Great job, Jim! I have not been to Birmingham, so it was nice to see it vicariously through you. I hope things go well for you, so we can see some more😊

[@Freewayjim]

Thank you very much!

[@DrDoom-wo8hb]

Thanks for posting this. Great music, great scenery, and just an awesome video overall (as usual). I haven't been to Birmingham since 1988, so it's time to visit again.

[@Freewayjim]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it!

[@burndog5520]

Best thing I see on KZbin! Thanks FreewayJim for giving us the pleasure of seeing areas that we may never get to see.

[@Freewayjim]

Thank you very much for that Keith!

[@zachmatt3]

Alabama is one of about 3 states I haven't been to, but would like to at least visit Birmingham. The natural scenery is very nice.

[@cjs121675]

Very nice ride! Finally had the time to check it out and it was worth the wait to see ! Looking forward to seeing your summer trip and also down the road when all the roadwork is done in Birmingham!

[@Freewayjim]

Thank you!

[@ABDiFTA]

Dude selects some the best driving music.

[@Freewayjim]

Thank you very much.

[@silasthegreat983]

Speaking of that you should have done Paint me a Birmingham by Tracy Lawrence

[@JJAcrosstheUSA]

Something old, something new & a stack at the end for good measure. Enjoyed this mini series for sure!!!

[@Freewayjim]

Thank you very much!

[@TheMillwallbill]

Another interesting vid. Thanks for posting Jim. Look forward to the summer road trip.

[@Freewayjim]

Thank you Bill!

[@davidcarson2834]

Thanks for the ride as always! Can't wait until it is time for the possible 2018 Summer Road Trip to come out.

[@Freewayjim]

Thank you!

[@BennyDigitalNomad51]

Nice video from the past i loved AL back in 2018 and 2019

[@jareklayden]

I'm from Calgary, Canada, 2-3 hours north of the border with Montana, I commented on your page when you did the LBJ Express lanes, but that video appears to be forgotten in the comments section! But it's awesome! We don't have freeways like that in Canada--if anyone considers Toronto's 401 just as good, I'm closer to Mexico than I am to Toronto or our federal capital of Ottawa! I'd love to see more coverage--mostly of Texas! I've hit like on all your videos, because I like road trips--and American road trips more! But also, you should try out the Coquihalla Hwy in BC sometime, in the summer months! That one's a lot of fun to drive!

[@Freewayjim]

Thanks for watching, I don't have unlimited time and funds so I go where I can.

[@adeiln.]

I was at Birmingham on March 6 for a little tour. I had a great time! I wished I saw you... :(Keep doing what you do and never stop!!P.S. I'm not going anywhere. I'm still watching.

[@Freewayjim]

Thank you very much!

[@adeiln.]

No problem! :)

[@brennw19]

Love the highways there in Birmingham, although some are needing some work I like seeing how they were first built. I don't know if the old button highway signs are on I 20 anymore but I know there used to be some which are very rare nowadays.

[@detroitmetro101]

i've never been to birmingham, so i am surprised how rocky and hilly the terrain is.

[@grievousangelic]

Birmingham is still considered to be in the southernmost foothills of the Appalachian chain, and yes, it's very hilly around there. Doesn't really flatten out until you get about 40 miles or so south. Even then, it's still a fair bit of rolling terrain until you get closer to the coast.

[@socarboy]

Glad to see Birmingham putting in some badly needed infrastructure some that my Charleston VERY BADLY needs to implement. Nice series showing the area's improvements....looking forward to the rest of your season as always

[@Freewayjim]

Thank you! yes, Charleston needs to follow suit.

[@hakeemsd70m]

socarboy it is definitely good to see! I haven't been to Birmingham Alabama since 2009 and, sadly, when I was last down there, I-20 59 was in deplorable condition, as well as much of downtown. This was long before construction on the Railroad Park had even started. It's refreshing to see the former Southern Steel Empire on the come-up once again! 205 is coming alive!

[@MrJamesgrate]

Nice, you must have an insane music collection, I use to listen to (That ain't love by REO speedwagon), it's a pleasure to ride along with you on your trips, I get the chance to see so many places and roadways, and get a bit of history and improvements on the various highways. Thank you (FWJ)...

[@Freewayjim]

Thanks, I have over 11,500 songs at the moment so it helps when I'm looking for things to use for the videos. Always appreciate your commensta nd riding along James.

[@dylanremmick5671]

Takes me back used to work in Birmingham and lived in pell city it was a daily drive for me

[@katelynporritt6292]

yay your back i missed your videos :)

[@Freewayjim]

Thank you :)

[@kaffeice7]

aa damn i just so love ur vids hahah, its like a roadtrip , so cool to see all parts of USA,considering i aint from there, and most likely never be able to

[@Freewayjim]

Thank you for watching, glad you enjoy the videos.

[@camugs]

They need to make US 280 a freeway and get rid of the traffic lights. Just like US 31 in Carmel Indiana

[@Freewayjim]

I agree.

[@cy_torrent]

That's what they're doing with I-11, replacing the US-93, some say its route will be Reno, Nevada to Matazal, Mexico City.

[@yourinternetfavt]

Michael Camuglia ahah they would never do that. too many shops and office buildings there. they homeowners would hate that. i live off of 280 about 4 miles off of it and it’s hell getting anywhere because of traffic. but it’s either stay at home for two hours to let it calm down or go out in it.

[@Luke-1296]

You guys have to many freeways you don’t need more ruining your country

[@williepurdom9253]

They need the lights so the school buses can get in and out safely. There's a large population in that area.

[@kevinwoodard6571]

Roll With the Changes, a fantastic song!

[@Freewayjim]

Indeed!

[@BradRains]

enjoyed the rides through Birmingham in this series, looking forward to your return later on.

[@Freewayjim]

Thank you!

[@BennyDigitalNomad51]

Jim i like almost all the music You put i think we might have the same taste of music i found a lot of songs from You it's really cool!

[@Freewayjim]

Cool, thanks!

[@TheSolarcatcher]

Even though I knew you wasn't, I was almost hoping you were going to take that I-22 ramp.Also, nice Petty tune.

[@Freewayjim]

Thanks! I honestly did not even consider it, maybe I should have....next time I might do it for an exit or two.

[@OBI-KONOBI-ISRAEL]

Glad your back. Great vid.

[@Freewayjim]

Thank you!

[@KCWanderlust]

Fun video and series! RIP Tom and Gary.

[@Freewayjim]

Thanks and ditto on that.

[@ericn4664]

I’ve to 19 out of the 48 states (Not Counting Alaska and Hawaii) in this area I’ve on I-10 from California to Florida including this state

[@runswithwolf7498]

I remember 280 as Red Mountain Expressway

[@CrystalClearWith8BE]

I apreciate watching the mini series of highway construction in Birmingham, AL. Maybe someday, you wish to see the completed highway construction and to see that will help Birmingham improve traffic, and I'm looking forward if you have plans for this year, 2021. However, I know family bonding time is the most important part of everyone's lives.

[@mohamedloukhnati6431]

A cool day for hitting the road, good job

[@Freewayjim]

Thank you!

[@JUSAGUYNKY]

I always look at Birmingham has Louisville’s down south bro/sis xoxo

[@davidwright7916]

I really enjoyed the stop you made at the old US-31 bridge. It's amazing that it's still up today. What made you make such a stop? How did you learn about it?

[@Freewayjim]

Thanks, I knew about that bridge from previous trips there, first saw it back in 2000.

[@bullinmd]

Remind me to take I-459 when I come through Birmingham, AL until ALDoT gets all of I-20/59 fixed inside both JCTs of I-459. I agree with you I-20/I-59 split is far too biased against I-20 with its sharp curves and narrow viaducts. I have never rode on to I-20 east at that JCT as my grandfather either took I-59 or used I-459 going through Birmingham.

[@Freewayjim]

I-459 is not very interesting but it is an efficient route to get through the area.

[@EuropeanRoads]

Wow, only 1 through lane for I-20 east. Surprising to see Gadsden as the only control city for I-59. It's a pretty small city, Chattanooga would've been more indicative in my mind.

[@nvyoung]

Living in East Alabama, the only reason Gadsden is a control city is because of I-759.

[@nasifulhuda31]

IKR! Chattanooga is way bigger than Gadsden. I was thinking the same thing with I-65 North. The control city for I-65 North is Huntsville, but I would think that it would be Nashville because Nashville is a good-sized metro area and more known than Huntsville.

[@nvyoung]

For years the control city was Nashville on I-65 north, that was until I-565 was completed. Anyways, the Huntsville metro is growing fast and soon the city of Huntsville population could become bigger than the population in the city of Birmingham.

[@phrozen1906]

Huntsville is likely to outgrow Birmingham in the next 5 to 10 years.

[@nasifulhuda31]

Marcus Laister Why would people move to Huntsville when there are other big cities like Nashville and Atlanta that are a few hours away? Nashville and Atlanta are growing very fast as well.

[@FireboltPrime]

Glad to see Birmingham again, haven't been since May of 2016

[@ohiobwb]

thanks for sharing!!

[@Freewayjim]

Thanks for watching!

[@edkollin]

Are you going to post videos on Tuesdays this year instead of Mondays? Enjoyed the mini-series, looking forward to the summer.

[@Freewayjim]

Thank you, no I just did Tuesdays because someone else had reserved Mondays in the facebook group so I did not want to step on their toes, it will be back to Monday with future videos.

[@nvyoung]

It's a shame there is only a 3/4 mile warning for I-22 West going north on I-65. Agreed on the I-20 and I-59 interchange and viaduct, all needs major improvements.

[@pearlbrad]

The only one

[@shaundascott104]

That was cool thank you see you next time

[@Freewayjim]

Thank you!

[@corneliusfudge7152]

Too bad I could not see Birmingham since I was asleep in our emergency trip to NYC. This video definitely made up for it.

[@corneliusfudge7152]

It was about 2 AM.

[@WDE1121]

FYI.... I 20/59 from I65 to the Red Mountain Expressway will be COMPLETELY closed for 12 months to complete the final phase of this project.

[@Freewayjim]

Gotta replace that viaduct somehow.

[@corneliusfudge7152]

Hmmmm...

[@richellebrittain2127]

It was closed when I came thru Birmingham this summer, which complicated my drive as there's no easy way between I-22 & I-20 East without it.

[@thejoemeister]

Hi, I was wondering what settings you use on your camera when recording videos, particularly long ones like the Florida keys video on US 1.

[@Freewayjim]

I use the same settings for all videos...I'm pretty much on Auto with the max quality settings, at night I'll use spot focus.

[@thejoemeister]

Freewayjim okay thank you :)

[@robertcummings1971]

!GREAT VIDEO!

[@Freewayjim]

Thank you very much!

[@stuartdavis9853]

Another great video, Jim! Will you be coming through Nashville anytime in the foreseeable future?

[@Freewayjim]

Thanks, I was there last week but not with my camera gear, usually when I'm up there it's to visit my son so I really don't have the opportunity top go film and joyride.

[@jereljenkins8084]

Freewayjim We miss your videos Jim, I’m from Bham and I thank you so much for showcasing our city. Please come back now that construction is done, thanks again brother!!!

[@user-sl1dc1nx5d]

God job,man!

[@Freewayjim]

Thank you!

[@FreewayAllan]

Great !

[@Freewayjim]

Thanks

[@ahmed2002jr]

For your next video you should do the song I'm yours by Jason Mraz

[@Freewayjim]

It doesnt work that way.

[@Mahoot]

Another wonderful video

[@Freewayjim]

Thank you!

[@yanng7308]

Maybe you could do the NYC area again this year? :) There're such things to see and it sure has changed since the last time you've been there :)

[@Freewayjim]

Maybe 2019.

[@dave11686]

Very cool!

[@Freewayjim]

Thank you!

[@davidjaerobins4180]

It's time to upgrade US 280 into a freeway.

[@BennyDigitalNomad51]

No there is too many buinsesses

[@bullinmd]

Wonder how well I-222 and I-422 will be received once built?

[@TaylorMMontgomery]

I apologize for my state's embarrassing roads. The Red Mountain Expressway and 65 both need major work. I really hope they tackle a resurfacing of both roads after the major reconstruction downtown. It's one of the lowest quality interstate roads in the South in my opinion

[@Freewayjim]

That's OK, Alabama has nothing on Pennsylvania :)

[@mikesanders878]

It looks like a nice city, ive been curious about this city, perhaps I should check it out sometime, from where I live, its a straight shot on I 20

[@Freewayjim]

It's not bad for its size.

[@SavageScientist]

Dam Birmingham is a beautiful city contrast to this flat boring Louisiana. Im in New Orleans.

[@Freewayjim]

I'd have to agree with you but NO has more interesting infrastructure.

[@interstatecookz-atsrides4257]

I don't know man... if the makers in Little Rock just made some extra space and changed the lay-out a little, they also could've put Chattanooga and Gadsden on it, not that it matters a lot

[@BeckettSong]

Interstate 20/59 will be the expressway of the year in 2059!

[@moodyrn]

I live in Birmingham

[@cleric2371]

How many road miles do you put in every year? Either way I think it’s awesome and would love to do the same thing

[@Freewayjim]

Not as many as you think, maybe 20-24K, I only take one big trip a year, thanks for watching!

[@terrencerandolph7107]

Awesome tour Good Sir! Thanks for the footage! Did you make it up I-22?

[@Freewayjim]

Thanks, I went through the interchange but not on I-22 itself.

[@mustafasunojr3893]

You should visit green bay Wisconsin. They have some nice freeways now that they are done with the construction

[@Freewayjim]

It's way off the beaten path for me.

[@PerfectReboot]

Jim you shall do a short video of I 90 from Boston to Seattle. 😂

[@Freewayjim]

Nah, that's not going to happen.

[@PerfectReboot]

Lol

[@Texas80]

I wonder what locals in Birmingham call Intestate 20 and 59.

[@AlisoViejoMan]

Go Birmingham Stallions

[@PerfectReboot]

Good job!

[@Freewayjim]

Thank you!

[@cesarmartinez8739]

I saw your car

[@henrybustell1622]

Where do you think your road trip will be this summer?

[@Freewayjim]

Not 100% sure yet, will announce it in the facebook group when I'm certain.

[@fgjr96way]

i am surprised you didnt travel on the new interstate 22

[@silasthegreat983]

Lol this is my hometown

[@garrisonbrumblay9137]

Freewayjim please someday come west on interstate 24 past Clarksville and stay at a hotel in Clarksville exit 4

[@justinhundley2456]

They honestly don’t care about the interstates and the lightposts in Birmingham, making this a horrible drive if you were in the afternoon or in the morning. It’s only best and calm at night.

[@connorcatmath2tr364]

Us highway 280 in birmingham is bad like I-285 in Atlanta, GA

[@henrybustell1622]

Thought for sure you would film I-22. Why didn’t you?

[@Freewayjim]

There's not really much to film there, it's not a bad road but it's nothing special either and it would have been an hour or so out of my way to go shoot 25-30 miles, turn around and come back.

[@williamwilkins2279]

Jim: Is it 6 lanes on I-20 all the way from Birmingham to Atlanta?

[@WDE1121]

William Wilkins not Jim but the answer is no.

[@Freewayjim]

Not all of it, but a good bit is.

[@williamwilkins2279]

Thanks, guys.

[@patricky8217]

When will you be back freewayjim?

[@Freewayjim]

I don't know, maybe late July, maybe sooner if I remix a video or so something with some unused footage.

[@nascarsuperfan7367]

5:13 Say Freewayjim You've Already Used That Song Back In 2011 For The Chicago Trip. Why Are You Using It For An Second Time.

[@Freewayjim]

Sometimes I do that if I think it will fit or work better than it did before or, I just can't find anything else I like at the moment, I've done it many times....7 years is a long enough time between uses I think.

[@nicocione6375]

#Freewayjim,when will you do another video?

[@Freewayjim]

I do not know.

[@nicocione6375]

thanks for telling me.

[@kurzovarchives30]

My dad was wondering about the answer to the question of ... "Do you pay any royalties to the companies/songwriters to use their songs?" (Yeah, I know I could assume a negative, but my dad asked me this and I don't want to look silly to him by answering incorrectly.)

[@Freewayjim]

No, the way it works is I'm allowed to use the songs and the copyright owners monetize the video while I can't, which I'm fine with.

[@popegregbwoah8107]

Why do I think that this song fits a Freewayjim video? kzbin.info/www/bejne/p4Cugal4j7ucZ5o Also, Rest In Peace, Jonghyun!

[@extremebilly124doesrobloxa3]

Would you ever go to Alaska and film there

[@Freewayjim]

No, I really don't have any interest in going to Alaska or Hawaii for that matter.

[@extremebilly124doesrobloxa3]

Freewayjim ok was just asking

[@danny70792]

Do i840 in tennessee

[@Freewayjim]

No thanks, boring.

[@milewayroads]

Do Phoenix again!

[@Freewayjim]

Kind of a long way from Atlanta and I don't have plans to go there anytime soon.

[@milewayroads]

Freewayjim that I know was Alanta, Georgia.

[@Orbulonthunderdex]

Wheres the Blue highway song

[@Freewayjim]

What about it? probably won't use it again...it kicks off video 13-60.

[@Orbulonthunderdex]

Freewayjim what do you mean about kicks off

[@Orbulonthunderdex]

Freewayjim there Was Copyright in that song?

[@gasaholic47]

REO!

[@cesarmartinez8739]

Hello

[@Freewayjim]

Hello

[@mdtafshiruddin8063]

I want driving job in USA....😢 I have 4 years driving experience in Qatar☺

[@cbat215]

Hhhggu

[@ericn4664]

Second