Traffic will detour for about a year during replacement of the bridge on SR-243 over Cedar Creek in Franklin County.
The closure of SR-243 at the creek southeast of Russellville will begin Monday, July 7. ALDOT advises drivers to plan alternate routes in advance and prepare for longer travel times.
Bridge replacement
The declining condition of the bridge constructed in 1965 led ALDOT to plan its replacement.
The contractor on the $2.8 million project, Miller and Miller, will demolish the 60-year-old structure. In its place, the contractor will construct a wider and safer bridge built to modern standards.
Near Cedar Creek, SR-243 carries about 3,000 vehicles per day.
Official detour
Commercial traffic must use the official detour that will be posted. A subcontractor will install detour and other project signs next week.
The detour is US-43 from Russellville to SR-13 at Spruce Pine to SR-195 in Haleyville for southbound traffic, and vice versa for northbound traffic.
Drivers of passenger vehicles may use other routes suited to their individual needs.
ALDOT cautions truck drivers about weight-restricted bridges on county roads in the immediate area of the closure. Heavy traffic on the local roads is punishable by fine.
For road closure information, download the ALGO Traffic app or visit algotraffic.com.
SR-247 bridge replacement update
Elsewhere in Franklin County, ALDOT has seen progress on another bridge replacement project. SR-247 remains closed at Little Bear Creek, northeast of Red Bay, for the $3.3 million project with Riley Bridge Company.
The contractor will begin pouring concrete for the bridge deck next month. ALDOT anticipates completion late this year.
