Stretch Of I-20/59 Will Remain Closed

BIRMINGHAM, AL - Last week's closure of Interstate 20/59 at Interstate 65 has now lasted almost a week, and will continue, to the financial detriment of contractor Granite Construction. An overnight construction issue April 4 forced the Alabama Department of Transportation to close Interstate 20/59 at the Interstate 65 South interchange last Thursday morning. The issue was related to a beam used in the construction area at the junction in downtown Birmingham, causing a roadblock.

ALDOT announced Monday that I-59/20 South at the I-65 interchange will remain closed because of safety concerns. And ALDOT is fining Granite Construction an average of $500,000 each day during the closure.

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A statement from ALOT said, "While we are disappointed, we must focus on safety and we must require the continued closure of the roadway until we can be confident that drivers are not in danger. Safety is our paramount concern.”

Motorists have been urged to use alternate routes and to adjust arrival and departure times due to the delays and will need to continue to detour around the area, which will be to use I-65 Northbound to 16th Street and then use I-65 South to return to I-59 Southbound. A time frame for the closure has not been set.

Photo by Robin Seale