VALLEY, Ala. (WRBL) – In East Alabama, the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) is gearing up for a six-week-long reconstruction project at the I-85 interchange with US-29, with a primary focus on Exit 79 leading into Valley. The project’s initial phase, set to commence on Tuesday, Feb. 13, involves the removal of asphalt from the ramps and the replacement of a section of US-29 with concrete pavement.
Chief Mike Reynolds of the Valley Police Department warns, “Not only is it traffic on Interstate 85, they are also closing two lanes of Highway 29 going across the bridge, so that’s gonna go from a four-lane to a two-lane. For local people, if you can try to avoid the area because there’s gonna be a lot of folks detoured off the interstate who are going to be using that area, and it’s just gonna be a mess.”
The closure encompasses both entrance and exit ramps at Exit 79 in Valley, prompting ALDOT to advise drivers to use alternative routes, adjust travel times, and exercise extreme caution within the construction zones. Lowered speed limits and heightened awareness of construction crews are emphasized to ensure worker safety. Chief Reynolds adds, “If you have to go through that area, just be aware because of workers being out there. If you can’t do a bypass, allow for plenty of time to get through that area.”