ARAB, Ala. — Weeks ago after major flooding, a large crack across HWY 231 on Brindlee Mountain caused crews to close that stretch of road.
Thursday, a solution was announced at a public forum at Arab High School.
Crews will build two brand new north and south bound bridges over the stretch of sliding soil on the mountain. The shifting mountainside is what previously caused the highway to crack.
The columns will be embedded into solid limestone. So, officials say it won’t be impacted by flooding.
Drivers have had to take a detour route up to 12 miles in length in order to avoid the closed stretch of road.
After the forum, locals tell our reporter they’re excited to see a solution.
Beatrice Dunn says, “I think it was very informative. We don’t wonder about it anymore— what’s going on.”
David Adair adds,“I think it’ll be a very good solution to this problem. I think in the long run, it’ll be better for our travel and for the community.
Here are photos from the crack that appeared in HWY 231 on Brindlee Mountain.
Officials say the project is supposed to start May 8th.
The construction of the two new bridges will cost about 18 million dollars. Representatives say it will all take around one year to finish.