Traffic should begin moving normally along U.S. 278 with a tow truck on the scene where an 18-wheeler broke down, snarling afternoon traffic in Cullman. 

Cullman police officer Hunter Potts said the truck is blocking the westbound lane at Alabama Avenue. He and a second officer have been directing traffic around the stalled vehicle after the call came in around 4 p.m.

Traffic backed up along the busy highway in both directions, stretching past St. Bernard to Fourth Avenue Southeast. 

Drivers are urged to avoid the area if at all possible.

“Pretty bad place to break down,” Potts said. “I guess the bridge would have been worse.”