All five lanes of the new U.S. 231 Bridge are open as the project nears completion. Bob Crisp
“All five lanes have been open for just over one week,” said Gary Smith, district manager for the Alabama Department of Transportation.
Smith said the U.S. 231 Bridge Project is about right on schedule.
“There is some more work on the roadway lighting,” he said. “The light poles are being ordered and are on the way.”
Smith said there is some paving work left on all three ramps.
“They still have to do the permanent striping,” he said. “And the final grading and grassing and cleanup things are left to complete.”
The U.S. 231 Bridge includes a lengthy middle lane for drivers turning left on to the east bound ramp of Interstate 20, and a right turn lane so commuters traveling north on U.S. 231 can enter the west bound on-ramp of I-20.
Most of U.S. 231 between Hospital Road and Lewis Lake Road is five lanes.
The new straightened on-ramp to I-20 west allows drivers to build up more speed when entering the interstate.
Drivers traveling north on U.S. 231 use the same west bound on-ramp to I-20, and no longer have to worry about commuters merging right off the interstate.
Commuters traveling west on I-20 exit east of U.S. 231, and turn either north or south onto U.S. 231.
“The project is almost done and everything is looking great,” Smith said. “Hopefully everything will get cleaned up in time.”
Smith said in addition to the U.S. 231 Bridge Project, ALDOT is currently finishing a resurfacing project up U.S. 231 towards Wattsville.
“There is just striping and cleanup work left on that project,” he said.
Smith said the I-20 widening project between Brompton and Eden should begin soon.
“They let the construction bids, and Wright Brothers Construction was the low bid,” he said. “The bid hasn’t been awarded yet, but should be awarded soon assuming everything checks out.”
