Latest updates on I-65 South closure at mile marker 319:
UPDATE from ALEA 9-21-18 3:12 p.m.
I-65 S at 319 is now open.
UPDATE from ALEA 9-21-18 11:11 a.m.
"ALDOT advises that the bridge repair is still ongoing with no anticipated time of reopening. The 12 p.m. time for reopening is contingent on how the concrete cures. It could be later than noon. The detours at exit 334, exit 328 and exit 325 are still in place, and traffic is flowing on I-65. Currently, the only backup is on the exit ramps, but ALDOT is working to adjust the temporary traffic controls to alleviate that congestion. Motorists should expect heavier than normal traffic on AL-67, AL-36, Thompson Road, and US-31. Motorists should not drive around barricades. Follow the detour routes with patience. Updates will follow when new information is available."
UPDATE from ALDOT 9-20-18 5:54 p.m.
"Update: The detour for southbound passenger vehicles is now Exit 325 to Thompson Road westbound in Hartselle to U.S. 31 southbound to I-65 southbound at Exit 318 at Lacon. Exit 334 is still the detour for truck traffic.
"ALDOT has set up temporary traffic signals at the intersection of Thompson Road and U.S. 31."
UPDATE from ALEA 9-20-18 3:23 p.m.
"ALDOT is going to continue diverting all vehicles at exit 334 (AL-67, Priceville). Commercial and non-commercial traffic can take AL-67 north to Decatur or south to U.S. 231 in Blount County. Possibly by 4 p.m., ALDOT will begin to send all non-commercial vehicles south to exit 328 (Alabama Hwy. 36) or exit 325 (Thompson Road). When this begins, non-commercial traffic that takes exit 328 can use AL-36 to go west to "U.S. 31 or go east to AL-67. If motorists use exit 325 they can go west to U.S. 31. There will be no traffic allowed to go south of exit 325. Updates will be provided if new information is available."
UPDATE from ALDOT 9-20-18 1:13 p.m.
"Update: Most of the damage appears to have been caused by a nearly 60-ton landfill compactor that was being hauled on a flatbed trailer. The compactor’s toothed drum wheels gouged the bridge deck. The inside guardrail and bridge rail at the bridge abutment were also damaged. Also, the asphalt roadway was gouged and further damaged by spilled diesel fuel.
"The bridge remains structurally sound. However, the gouges in the deck and roadway require repair before reopening to traffic. Crews have removed the damage concrete on the bridge deck and are placing forms in preparation for pouring new concrete. If all goes well, the bridge may be reopened by noon or earlier tomorrow.
"A few things that have been going on this morning:
- ALDOT has diverted forces from other areas to assist with traffic flow and bridge repair.
- Crews have been working throughout the morning to adjust signal timing on the detour route.
- Local law enforcement is assisting with traffic control, and we thank them for their efforts.
- ALDOT has been coordinating with the CSX railroad.
- ALDOT forces are working to implement an additional detour for passenger traffic to reduce delays on Alabama 67."
UPDATE from ALDOT 9-20-18 10:09 a.m.
"Update: The bridge abutment and deck were damaged in the crash, which occurred shortly before 6 p.m. Wednesday. ALDOT is removing the damaged concrete sections and repairing/replacing those today and tomorrow.
"We are still detouring southbound traffic at Priceville (Exit 334) to Alabama 67 northbound to U.S. 31 southbound back to Interstate 65 southbound at Lacon (Exit 318). We are seeing heavy congestion on Alabama 67 going into Decatur, and crashes along the detour route, particularly one that occurred on the detour route this morning (on 67 northbound at Carol Lane, west of Country Club Road) have compounded those delays. Also seeing some backups on U.S. 31 at Alabama 36 in Hartselle.
"Check algotraffic.com for developments and detour information.
"We are working on setting up an additional detour, so we will appreciate your help getting that information out when that is in place.
"For those not in the area, this location is in southern Morgan County just north of the Cullman County line."
UPDATE from ALDOT 9-20-18 9:21 a.m.
"We are still detouring southbound traffic to SR-67 northbound to U.S. 31 southbound back to I-65 southbound at Lacon (Exit 318). We are seeing heavy congestion on 67 going into Decatur, and a crash that occurred on the detour route (on 67 northbound at Carol Lane) compounded that."
UPDATE from the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) 9-20-18 1 a.m.:
"A bridge on I-65 southbound over the CSX railroad north of the Lacon exit was damaged by a heavy piece of equipment during a tractor trailer crash Wednesday evening. It was necessary to keep the bridge closed until ALDOT personnel could assess the damage. It appears the southbound roadway must remain closed Thursday and possibly into Friday for bridge repair.
"Motorists are advised to use U.S. 31 or other alternate routes.
Throughout (Wednesday) evening traffic was detoured to Morgan County 55 at the Falkville exit (322). About midnight, the detour was being shifted. Overnight, southbound traffic will be detoured at the Priceville Exit (334) to Alabama 67 northbound to U.S. 31 southbound. Expect delays on detour routes."
EMERGENCY ALERT FROM THE ALABAMA LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY (ALEA): 9-19-18 7:13 p.m.:
"Interstate 65 near mile marker 319 is closed for an unknown amount of time. A crash involving a tractor-trailer hauling a large machine has damaged the bridge. All traffic southbound should detour at exit 322. Go west on East Pike Road to U.S. 31. Go south on U.S. 31 back to exit 318 to get back on I-65 south. There are no injuries in this crash."
