Avoid delays on I-65 in Shelby County: ALDOT announces weekend bridge closure

The Alabama Dept. of Transportation has asked us to pass along the following information regarding upcoming road closers along Interstate 65 in Shelby County this weekend. A bridge deck on Interstate 65 Northbound just south of Alabaster has to be repaired and will require a full road closure because it is one of the only 28-foot-wide bridges on that route.

This work will also include the closure of I-65 northbound to all traffic starting at Exit 231 (U.S. Hwy. 31 at Calera) with a subsequent detour to U.S. 31 Northbound. The detour will be along U.S. 31 Northbound and will end at its intersection with I-65 at Exit 238 in Alabaster. The planned detour will begin on Saturday, March 4th at 7 p.m. and is expected to end by 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 5th.

Traffic along I-65 southbound from Alabaster to Calera will not be affected and will remain open.

The northbound entrance ramps at Exit 228 (AL 25 in Calera), Exit 231 (US 31 in Calera), and Exit 234 (CR 87 at the Shelby County Airport) will also be closed during this time and no traffic will be allowed to enter I-65 northbound at these locations during the detour.

Here are tips to help you navigate this closure:

• Commercial drivers should be mindful of the road closure and allow extra time for travel. Consider any alternative routes that may help reduce delays.
• Be aware that the detour route could be congested due to the road closure.
• Be sure to account for any potential delays when scheduling deliveries.

We’ll be sure to provide updates on the progress of the repairs as they become available. For more information, visit ALDOT’s travel advisor page at https://www.dot.state.al.us/travel.html or visit them on your favorite social media channel @ALDOT.