FLORENCE, Ala. (WHNT) — The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) is preparing to replace the Mitchell Boulevard Bridge in Florence, a project that will bring significant traffic disruptions for drivers for some time to come.
Construction on the $7.2 million project is expected to begin on Monday, March 2, and will involve demolishing the aging 88-year-old bridge and building a larger, safer structure in its place. ALDOT said that drivers should plan for two-years worth of lane reductions, road closures, and detours while the project is taking place.
US-43/US-72/Mitchell Boulevard, viewed from South Pine Street. During construction, US-43 southbound/US-72 westbound traffic will continue to cross the Mitchell Boulevard bridge, while northbound traffic will use a detour. (Courtesy: ALDOT)
During construction, traffic on U.S. 43 will be southbound, and U.S. 72 westbound will be reduced to a single lane around the clock, while northbound and eastbound traffic will be rerouted along designated detour routes. In addition, State Route 20 beneath the bridge will be closed for portions of the project.
(Courtesy: ALDOT)
ALDOT officials say the new bridge will improve safety and clearance for the traffic below, replacing a structure originally built in 1938. The project is scheduled to run through Spring 2028, meaning drivers should expect ongoing delays and changing traffic patterns for much of the construction period.
The Mitchell Boulevard bridge is about half a mile north of the O’Neal Bridge, the Tennessee River crossing between Sheffield and Florence traveled by about 30,000 vehicles daily.
ALDOT is urging drivers to allow extra travel time, follow posted detour signs, and consider alternate routes while work is underway.
For additional information on lane reductions or roadway closures, click here.
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