Motorists traveling through Etowah and DeKalb counties should expect significant delays Wednesday, May 13, due to a scheduled closure along Interstate 59 southbound.

The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) will temporarily close approximately 17 miles of I-59 southbound between Exit 205 in Collinsville and Exit 188 in Reece City beginning at 8:00 a.m. The closure is part of ongoing interstate reconstruction work and is necessary for roadway repairs in the project area.

During the closure, southbound traffic will be detoured from Exit 205 onto State Route 68 eastbound, then onto U.S. 11 southbound, followed by State Route 211 southbound, before re-entering I-59 at Exit 188.

Officials say the closure is expected to last several hours, with the interstate anticipated to reopen by mid-afternoon, weather and work conditions permitting.

Drivers are urged to use caution in the area, anticipate heavy congestion along detour routes, and allow additional travel time when moving through Etowah and DeKalb counties.

For the latest traffic updates and real-time road conditions, motorists are encouraged to use the ALGO Traffic website or the ALGO Traffic mobile app.