DECATUR, AL (WAFF) -
Work on the Tennessee River Bridge is underway. The Alabama Department of transportation officials urge drivers to take a detour to avoid traffic congestion.
Motorists should take U.S. 31 through Hartselle, Priceville, Decatur and Athens.
The $6.8 million project is for surface maintenance and repairs. It's the first extensive work done on the bridge since it was built in 1973.
The company doing the work has 20 work days to complete the job, according to ALDOT officials.
The construction on the outside lanes in both direction will shut down part of the interstate. One lane will always remain open, and on days work cannot be done because of weather, all lanes will be open.
A 50 mile-per-hour work zone speed limit is in place, and State Troopers will monitor traffic while work is in progress.
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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