I-59/20 through downtown Birmingham has closed

From The Trussville Tribune staff reports

BIRMINGHAM — It’s official. Interstate-59/20 through downtown Birmingham has closed. The official closing of bridges downtown began at 9 p.m. Monday.

Related Story: I-59/20 in downtown Birmingham to close on Jan. 21 for 12 to 14 months

The section of Interstate will remain closed for 12 to 14 months while work is done on a one-mile stretch through the Central Business District.  This work will include demolishing and replacing the structures that support the Interstate.

Officials are urging motorists to find alternate means of travel.

“We encourage motorists, if you’re coming through the city, not to go through downtown, but to take 459 around 65 or to 59,” said Region Engineer DaJarvis Leonard.

According to the most recent information from ALDOT, motorists traveling westbound from Trussville, needing to get to downtown Birmingham, would best be served by exiting on 126-B.  This will take motorists to the 31^st and 25th Street paths to the downtown area.  Those needing a route to Highway 31 and the Red Mountain expressway southbound should use exit on 126A, the Carraway Boulevard exit.