DEKALB-ETOWAH COUNTIES, Ala. — Motorists traveling Interstate 59 through Northeast Alabama should prepare for long-term traffic impacts as a major reconstruction project continues between Collinsville and Reece City.

The Alabama Department of Transportation is investing approximately $40.7 million to rebuild more than 10 miles of aging southbound Interstate 59 pavement in DeKalb and Etowah counties. The project involves the complete removal and replacement of deteriorated concrete roadway sections that have reached the end of their service life.

As part of the project, a five-mile stretch of southbound Interstate 59 between Collinsville and Reece City was closed in June. That section is expected to remain closed for approximately one year while crews reconstruct the roadway.

During construction, traffic in both directions is being routed onto the northbound side of the interstate, with lanes separated by concrete barriers. Motorists are urged to reduce speeds, remain alert, and expect delays while traveling through the work zone.

The current phase of construction is only the beginning of a larger effort. Once work on the initial five-mile segment is completed, contractors will move to an additional five-mile section of southbound Interstate 59, continuing the reconstruction project toward Collinsville.

According to ALDOT, the overall project is expected to continue until March 2027, meaning motorists can expect changing traffic patterns, reduced speed limits, lane shifts, and periodic delays for nearly two more years.

Transportation officials say the reconstruction is necessary to improve safety, ride quality, and long-term reliability along one of Northeast Alabama’s busiest transportation corridors. Interstate 59 serves as a critical route for commuters, commercial trucking traffic, and travelers moving between Birmingham, Gadsden, Fort Payne, Chattanooga, and points beyond.

The current project is also part of a broader plan to modernize Interstate 59 throughout Northeast Alabama. Additional reconstruction projects are already in the planning and design stages, including future improvements between the Georgia state line and Fort Payne as well as other aging sections of roadway in DeKalb and Etowah counties.

ALDOT recommends motorists allow extra travel time when traveling through the construction zone and stay informed of changing traffic conditions as work progresses toward its anticipated completion in the spring of 2027.