Map courtesy of ALDOT
By Christa Jennings
Senior Staff Writer
The Alabama Department of Transportation, or ALDOT, is performing bridge maintenance on the Alabama Highway 22 bridge over the Coosa River.
The bridge connects Coosa and Chilton counties and is located northeast of Verbena. On November 7 ALDOT reported that the project was slated to start November 11 and that the project would continue for approximately one year, weather permitting.
The work will require single-lane closures at times, so motorists are cautioned to expect possible delays as work is done on the bridge.
In its release, ALDOT stated that the project is ultimately intended to extend the lifespan of the bridge, and the project includes repainting the bridge its current gray color.
ALDOT let the project, number BR-0022(537), for bid in July. The project description is “for constructing the bridge painting and bridge rehabilitation on SR-22 over the Coosa River northeast of Verbena.”
Per ALDOT’s legal notice for the bid, the entire project is to be completed in 165 working days, with the length of the bridge project being just 0.172 miles. The bracket estimate on the project was from $3.4 million to $4.15 million; however, ALDOT awarded the project to Cekra at $3.33 million, with the total cost being $3,339,000.
The description of the project includes removing a portion of the old bridge, removing a portion of the bridge deck, removing loose bridge joint angles, removing raised pavement markers, repairs to the existing bridge, raising a portion of the existing bridge, one cubic yard of Class A bridge concrete, painting, striping, and more.
The contractor will also install and utilize temporary portable traffic signals and message signs to help manage traffic flow and enhance safety when work does require a single-lane closure.
With the bridge rehabilitation project expected to be completed in late 2025, ALDOT encourages motorists to observe work-zone speed limits. For real-time traffic conditions, including any delays, motorists can visit www.algotraffic.com or use the ALGO Traffic app.
