CULLMAN, Ala. – The day is finally here. Fifteen months after the stretch of Eva Road between Forrest Avenue Northeast and Scenic Drive Northeast was closed for new bridge construction, the bridge is complete, and the road is open to traffic today, Feb. 12, 2020. The bridge has been named the Hugh P. Brindley, Sr. Memorial Bridge.
The roadway was closed Nov. 5, 2018. The old bridge was completely demolished in March 2019.
The road closure led to the re-routing of a portion of school traffic around Cullman High School, Cullman Middle School and the Cullman City Primary School, causing congestion, particularly during morning drop-off times.
Back in July 2019, City of Cullman Risk Management Director Tom Charney told The Tribune, “Every year, all the bridges have to be inspected, and we give a percentage rate. If a bridge goes below 50%, then the bridge, you have to consider replacing it. Eva Road went under the 50% mark, and at that point we had to, you know, build bridges. It was about 2017 (when it went under).”
He continued, “As soon as it went under the percentage, we started looking and the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) released these grants for bridges. God, in Alabama I think there was over a hundred bridges (in) a federal grant that was administered by the County and ALDOT.”
Charney said the City of Cullman received $1,634,704.10 for the bridge.
“Once the bridge is completed for the citizens of Cullman,” he said at the time, “it will be a lot wider, a lot safer, and you can’t ask for anything more for your money. The whole thing was to make it safer.”
Initial estimates were that the project could take up to 10 months.
The City announced Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2020 that the bridge would finally reopen Feb. 12:
“After several rain delays, the City of Cullman is happy to announce that the Eva Road bridge will reopen to traffic on the morning of Wednesday, February 12, 2020! Cullman Mayor Woody Jacobs and Police Chief Kenny Culpepper would like to remind motorists to travel the posted speed limit. The Police Department will strictly enforce the speed limit on Eva Road. There will be an increased police presence in the area and digital speed signs will be used to help remind motorists to monitor their speed. This is to help ensure the safety of all who travel in this area and across this new bridge. The City of Cullman appreciates the patience and understanding of our citizens throughout the course of this project.”
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