The Alabama Department of Transportation confirmed on Thursday plans to replace and repair six bridges along U.S. 278.The list includes three major bridges at Nances, Ladiga and Terrapin creeks and Glade Branch, as well as two relief bridges.
John Steven Haynes, assistant pre-construction division engineer for ALDOT, said the state found the bridges, which were built in the 1930s, to be “structurally unsound” and “too narrow.”
Piedmont Mayor Charlie Fagan said the safety factor was a major reason for him to push state legislators to help him get the state to replace and repair the bridges. At the Ladiga Creek bridge near his business, Fagan said he has seen a number of wrecks over the years, with the state continually just “patching it up” afterwards.
Fagan said the bridges’ replacement is vital to keeping the highway’s travelers safe. “I’m just so glad to see this finally getting done,” he said.
Haynes and number of other ALDOT engineers answered questions from local residents at a public meeting on Thursday at the Municipal Building.
Following the meeting, the state can now move forward to acquiring some four acres of right-of-way. Haynes said only six private land owners and the city of Piedmont will be affected by the acquisition.
Haynes said no home or business owners will be required to relocate.
The state estimates spending a total of $11.1 million on the project, Haynes said.
Of the six bridges, Nances, Ladiga and Terrapin Creek bridges, as well as the two relief bridges, will be completely replaced. The bridge at Glade Branch will be converted into a culvert.
ALDOT is taking special care to watch for the possible impact to the creeks the bridges cross. Haynes said the state is always careful to adhere to state and federal environmental policies. “We’re always concerned about the creeks and the impact to the creeks,” he said.
Haynes said the state expects to begin construction in the winter. Traffic flow will not be impeded by the replacements, he said.
The project is expected to take between 24 and 30 months to complete.
