By Michael Wetzel  

For the Enquirer 

The southbound bridge on U.S. Highway 31 at Cedar Creek in Falkville is being replaced and closed beginning Monday, with traffic flow being diverted onto a northbound lane. 

The Alabama Department of Transportation said the northbound roadway will carry one lane of traffic in each direction for the duration of the project.  

Contractor Miller & Miller will be handling the bridge replacement, which was constructed in 1931, according to ALDOT. ALDOT spokesman Seth Burkett said the $3,078,868 project is expected to be completed next summer. 

Morgan County District 2 Commissioner Don Stisher said the project is overdue and necessary. 

“That bridge is in a flood-prone area, and sometimes when we have heavy rains, water gets over the southbound lane and makes driving dangerous,” he said. “The northbound bridge is a little higher and doesn’t flood.” 

Stisher said large trucks carrying oversized loads will be rerouted because the bridge is too narrow for wide two-way traffic. 

Burkett asked motorists to be patient while the work is ongoing. 

“Everyone needs to slow down, prepare to merge and drive with caution in the work zone,” he said.