Yellowhammer Times

Traffic on SR-243 in Franklin County will be rerouted for about a year due to the replacement of the bridge over Cedar Creek. The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) announced that the closure will start on Monday, July 7. Drivers are advised to plan alternate routes and expect longer travel times.

The existing bridge, built in 1965, is being replaced due to its declining condition. Miller and Miller, the contractor for the $2.8 million project, will demolish the old structure and construct a new, wider bridge that meets modern standards. Approximately 3,000 vehicles use SR-243 near Cedar Creek daily.

Commercial traffic must follow an official detour that will be posted. The route for southbound traffic is US-43 from Russellville to SR-13 at Spruce Pine to SR-195 in Haleyville; northbound traffic should take the reverse route. Passenger vehicles can choose alternative routes as needed. ALDOT warns truck drivers about weight-restricted bridges on nearby county roads and notes that heavy traffic violations are subject to fines.

For updates on road closures, ALDOT recommends downloading the ALGO Traffic app or visiting algotraffic.com.

In other news from Franklin County, progress continues on another bridge replacement project on SR-247 at Little Bear Creek, northeast of Red Bay. The $3.3 million project with Riley Bridge Company is moving forward with concrete pouring for the bridge deck scheduled next month. Completion is expected late this year.

Information from this article can be found here.