Elton B. Stephens Expressway

Elton B. Stephens Expressway
Red Mountain Expressway
Route information
Maintained by ALDOT
Length2.6 mi (4.2 km)
ExistedApril 16, 1970–present
Component
highways
Major junctions
South end US 31 / US 280 in Homewood
Major intersections
North end I-20 / I-59 / US 31 / US 280 in Birmingham
Location
CountryUnited States
StateAlabama
CountiesJefferson
Highway system
  • Alabama State Highway System

The Elton B. Stephens Expressway, more commonly referred to locally as the Red Mountain Expressway, is a limited-access freeway serving as a north–south connection between Homewood and Mountain Brook south of Red Mountain with I-20/I-59 just to the northeast of downtown Birmingham. It was named for local businessman and philanthropist Elton Bryson Stephens, Sr., who chaired the Birmingham and Jefferson County Freeway and Expressway Committee. The expressway was largely built over the former path of 26th Street North and South. It runs through the Red Mountain Expressway Cut, designated a National Historic Landmark in 1987.

The freeway generally carries three lanes for travel in each direction and carries traffic for both U.S. Route 31 (US 31) and US 280. From its southern terminus to University Boulevard, the freeway is mostly at-grade. Between University Boulevard and its northern terminus, the freeway is elevated.