From Tribune staff reports
BIRMINGHAM, Ala.–ALDOT will temporarily close sections of I-20 and I-59 near East Lake starting tonight to perform a permanent lane shift, including removal and replacement of traffic stripe, making signs, and overhead sign renovations, according to an announcement from the department.
Beginning at 8 p.m. on Sept. 16, the ramp to I-20 eastbound from I-59 southbound along with the outside lane of the ramp from I-59 northbound to I-20 eastbound will be closed to do the work.
Message boards will be in place to direct motorists to use the Airport Exit 129 to detour back to I-20 eastbound/I-59 northbound towards Gadsden/Atlanta to access I-20 eastbound.
ALDOT expects all travel lanes to reopen at approximately 6 a.m. on Tuesday, however that will not be the end of it.
From 8 p.m. Tuesday to 6 a.m. Wednesday, either the outside or inside lane of the ramp from I-59 northbound to I-20 eastbound will be closed again to continue overhead sign renovations.
According to ALDOT, this permanent traffic shift will permanently close Exit 130-B since the new ramp at Exit 130-A has been completed and opened for traffic to access US 11 N along with the existing ramp to still access US 11 S.
This closure will allow for the permanent traffic shift to carry two lanes from the I-59 northbound to I-20 eastbound ramp to continue on to the two through lanes on I-20 eastbound.
Traffic from I-59 southbound to I-20 eastbound will now be required to merge right, where previously there was a through lane in place.
“Motorists are requested to consider using alternate routes, adjust arrival/departure times, observe work zone speed limits and other work zone signs, and use extreme caution in this area,” ALDOT’s announcement read.
“ALDOT thanks motorists for their patience during this Construction Operation to improve Alabama’s roadways.”
