Chattanoogans headed to the Gulf beaches may need to seek an alternate route. A routine bridge deck maintenance project on the Interstate 65 Tennessee River bridges is scheduled to begin next week, the Alabama Department of Transportation announced Thursday. The $6.8 million project to apply overlay is slated to begin Monday, weather permitting. The project is estimated to be completed by early August.
Expected traffic impact will be single lane closures on northbound and southbound bridges seven days a week. Motorists regularly using the bridges are encouraged to use alternate routes to avoid lengthy delays. Wide loads must use alternate routes. Suggested alternate routes include:
I-65 NORTH
Exit 318 – U.S. Highway 31 - Lacon
Exit 325 – Thompson Road
Exit 328 – State Route 36 - Hartselle (U.S. Highway 231 North-Huntsville Traffic Only)
Exit 334 – State Route 67 - Decatur, Priceville, Somerville
I-65 SOUTH
Exit 354 – U.S. Highway 31 - Athens
Exit 347 – Huntsville, Browns Ferry Road (Light Loads Only)
Alabama State Troopers will strictly enforce the 50 mph speed limit in the work zone. Motorists are urged to be attentive to traffic directive signs, allow plenty of distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front, use alternate routes, adjust arrival/departure times, observe work zone speed limits and other work zone signs, and use extreme caution in this area.