The Alabama Department of Transportation has been closely monitoring traffic flow since the I-65 and exit 168 (South Boulevard) off ramp project began in early September. Due to increased delays and traffic queues, ALDOT has reevaluated the traffic plan to prioritize safety and expedite construction.
To increase the safety of the traveling public and workers in the construction zone, ALDOT will implement a full, temporary closure of the I-65 exit 168 northbound off ramp. This will allow construction crews to focus resources entirely on the northbound side.
By the end of October, with the exact start date to be announced soon, the northbound off ramp will be closed to all traffic with a signed detour in place.
The following route will be the signed detour:
- Exit I-65 northbound at exit 167 (US-80)
- Turn onto US-80 westbound
- Turn onto US-31 northbound
- Continue onto South Boulevard
ALDOT expects the northbound off ramp to reopen by Thanksgiving.
In the meantime, the southbound off ramp has been converted to full capacity. On Thursday, Oct. 16, crews removed the barrier wall that previously closed two lanes on the southbound off ramp. During the entire northbound closure, all lanes on the southbound off ramp will be open to help manage traffic flow.
Following the completion of the northbound ramp, ALDOT will determine the appropriate timing for a similar closure of the southbound ramp, with colder weather and seasonal limitations being key factors in that decision.
For real-time traffic updates and more, download the ALGO Traffic app on your phone or visit ALGOTraffic in your browser.
