MORGAN COUNTY, AL (WAFF) -
Work on the Tennessee River Bridge will begin Monday morning at 7 a.m., weather permitting.
Alabama Department of Transportation officials urge drivers to take U.S. 31 through Hartselle, Priceville, Decatur and Athens to ease traffic congestion on I-65.
The $6.8-million project is for surface maintenance and repairs. It is the first extensive work done on the Tennessee River Bridge since it was built in 1973.
The company doing the work has 20 work days to complete the job, according to ALDOT officials.
Work will begin on the outside lanes in both directions. There will always be one lane open, and on days no work can be done because of weather, all lanes will be open.
There will be a 50 miles per hour work zone speed limit in place, and state troopers will monitor traffic.
"Taking these alternate routes, using U.S. 31 through Hartselle and Decatur and Athens, I believe that traffic should flow smoothly through the work route," said Allen Teague, ALDOT pre-construction manager.
ALDOT officials said drivers heading south from Limestone County can take the 354 and 347 exits and use U.S. 31. Drivers heading north can get to 31 from exits 318, 325, and 334, with 328 used to get those driving to Huntsville onto Highway 231.
ALDOT officials also said drivers heading westbound from Huntsville on I-565 who want to go south can bypass 65 by going straight onto State Highway 20, stay straight to U.S. 31 through downtown Decatur, take Highway 67 South to Priceville, then get onto 65 from there.
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Work on the Tennessee River Bridge is scheduled to begin on Monday.
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