City of Huntsville to open new off-ramp to Orion Amphitheater

Published on May 6, 2022

Huntsville residents and visitors heading to the new Orion Amphitheater now have a direct way to get there and into the MidCity District.

Beginning at noon Friday, May 6, the City will open the MidCity Way exit ramp from State Route 255, also known as Research Park Boulevard. The new 2,000-foot off-ramp required relocation of the Bradford Drive on-ramp. The Bradford Drive on-ramp is now elevated with a new bridge, leading drivers to Research Drive, which is directly adjacent to the new amphitheater and parking lot.

The off-ramp was part of the City’s vision to provide direct access to the Orion Amphitheater and MidCity while improving Research Park Boulevard.

“We are grateful for our partners at the Alabama Department of Transportation who helped create a direct access to the new Orion Amphitheater via the new MidCity Way exit,” Mayor Tommy Battle said. “The exit ramp provides a new access point for many visitors to help ease traffic congestion on local roadways. As we continue to build our economy and infrastructure, projects like this are critical to ensuring our quality of life.”

This new exit gives drivers another way to enter MidCity and the amphitheater, in addition to other access points along U.S. 72, Old Monrovia Road and Wynn Drive.

While the exit ramp leads to Research Drive, which is directly adjacent to the Orion Amphitheater, Huntsville’s Director of Engineering Kathy Martin explained sections of Research Drive will close during large events at the amphitheater to ensure pedestrian safety and enable better traffic flow.

Click here for information on entering and exiting the Orion Amphitheater as well as parking and rideshare options.