HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Traffic disruptions can lead to lane closures and lengthy delays. Stay informed about major traffic alerts in the Tennessee Valley.
TRAFFIC ALERTS
ROAD CLOSURES
ALDOT to Improve Safety at Lauderdale County Intersection
The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) has announced a project aimed at improving safety at a high-risk intersection in Lauderdale County. Starting this week, work will begin on a $451,098 project to convert the intersection of US-43 and SR-64 north of Killen into a reduced conflict intersection (RCI).
The contractor, Rogers Group, plans to start construction on Thursday, November 7, weather permitting. The project will replace traditional left turns and crossing movements with a safer design that includes right turns and U-turns. This new layout aims to reduce vehicle conflicts, which can lead to crashes, particularly in high-traffic areas.
What is a Reduced Conflict Intersection (RCI)?
RCIs, also known as restricted crossing U-turns (RCUTs), are an alternative design to traditional intersections. Instead of directly turning left or crossing traffic, drivers will make a right turn onto US-43 and then perform a U-turn at a designated point. This significantly reduces exposure to potential crashes by limiting conflicting traffic movements.
While left turns from US-43 onto SR-68 and CR-364 will still be allowed, the new configuration will improve overall safety by reducing the likelihood of high-impact accidents. Studies have shown that RCIs can lead to a significant reduction in injury and fatal crashes when compared to conventional intersections.
Traffic Impacts and Construction Details
Construction will begin with lane closures on the inside lanes of US-43, as crews work to build U-turn facilities on both sides of the intersection. In later stages, the median at the intersection will be closed, and additional lane closures will occur on the side streets. Motorists are advised to follow detour signs and remain cautious around the work zone.
ALDOT
Planned improvements will impact the right and left lanes, as well as the shoulders, of Interstate 565 eastbound from mile post 5 at Greenbrier Road in Huntsville to mile post 11 at Hughes Road in Madison. Work will begin on August 26, 2024, and is expected to continue until July 31, 2026. Motorists should use caution when traveling through this area.
ALDOT
Planned improvements will impact the right lane and shoulder of Interstate 565 eastbound from mile post 7.09 at Exit 7 (County Lane Road) to mile post 9.17 at Exit 9 (Wall Triana Highway) in Madison. Work will happen overnight from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Expect delays and proceed with caution.
City of Madison
- Brownsferry Road will be closed to through traffic between Balch Road and Gillespie Road starting Monday, October 7, through Monday, February 3, 2025. Follow posted detours.
ALDOT
Single-lane closures are planned for the northbound I-65 Tennessee River Bridge each weekend in October, starting Friday at 6 p.m. The outside lane will close and reopen by 5 a.m. Monday. Expect delays.
ALDOT - US-42/US-72
Nightly milling and paving to remove the old asphalt on US-42/US-72 (Woodward Avenue) in Tuscumbia and Muscle Shoals will begin Sunday, August 4. Work will run from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. and is expected to be completed this fall.
City of Huntsville
Detours have been adjusted to accommodate traffic flow with the closure of James Record/Martin Road between Trademark Drive and Electronics Boulevard.
The new detour for drivers traveling west on Martin Road away from Redstone Arsenal is along Trademark Drive and north along Wall Triana Highway. Drivers then turn left on Short Pike Road and left again on Laracy Drive to connect with James Record Road.
The closure of James Record Road/Martin Road stems from the bridge replacement over Bradford Creek as part of Phase II of the Martin Road Improvement Project.
The bridgework is part of the 1.6-mile, five-lane roadway that includes 4-foot bike lanes and 5-feet sidewalks on each side of the bridge between Old Jim Williams Road and Laracy Drive. The road closure for the bridgework is expected to take about two years to complete.
ALDOT
The Alabama Department of Transportation advises motorists that nighttime single-lane closures for a $23.7 million rehabilitation project on the Interstate 65 Tennessee River Bridges will begin the evening of Sunday, Jan. 28, weather permitting.
With exceptions for certain work items, ALDOT is restricting lane closures to nights to minimize impacts to traffic during the project. The majority of the project will not involve travel lane closures, though lane closures will be necessary for initial work items.
The project is anticipated to take about 2½ years and includes cleaning, painting, and repairing concrete and structural steel on the 50-year-old bridges.
Daytime lane closures will be limited to certain work items, including concrete deck repairs and asphalt widening on the approaches to the bridges. Message boards will advise motorists in advance of lane closures and possible detours.
Old Gurley Road (Jan 10 - 9 months):
- From: City of Huntsville
- Details: Closed between Moores Mill and Shields roads for construction, beginning January 10 for 9 months.
- Map: See attached map below for closure details.
