NORTHERN ALABAMA — Drivers traveling on Interstate 59 southbound through northern Etowah and southern DeKalb counties should expect significant delays Friday, May 15, as the Alabama Department of Transportation closes a portion of the roadway for repair work.

ALDOT officials say approximately 17 miles of I-59 southbound will be shut down to allow crews to repair a crossover as part of an ongoing interstate reconstruction project. The closure is scheduled to begin at 7 a.m. and is expected to last several hours while contractor crews complete the necessary work.

The affected section of interstate runs between Exit 205 at Collinsville and Exit 188 at Reece City.

During the closure, southbound traffic will be diverted off the interstate at Exit 205. Motorists will be routed to State Route 68 eastbound, then to U.S. 11 southbound, followed by State Route 211 southbound, before re-entering I-59 at Exit 188.

Transportation officials are urging drivers to plan ahead, allow extra travel time, and use caution when traveling through the designated detour routes, as increased traffic volumes are expected on local highways.

ALDOT says the repair work is necessary to maintain the safety and integrity of the interstate construction zone and appreciates the public’s patience during the temporary closure.