The loud, bumpy ride along a 13-mile stretch of Interstate 65 in Cullman County will change as the weather warms.

Since May of 2017, heavily-travelled lanes — north and south — from Exit 305 to the Blount County line have been the source of a lot of complaints from motorists.

The Alabama Department of Transportation embarked on a $7.8 million rehabilitation project last year that includes concrete slab replacement, milling and paving, and rest area work. One of the most important aspects of the project has been done.

“The concrete slabs underneath the asphalt were about as old as the interstate, 50 years old or so,” said Seth Burkett, north regional information specialist for ALDOT. “Those slabs have been repaired, which had to be done. Drivers are now traveling over milled asphalt and it has grooves in it and there are some potholes after the winter.”

The speed limit has been reduced in the area because of the condition of the road, which Burkett said will make driving the road safer until the final repairs are made.

“We have a type of asphalt planned for the surface that is designed to prevent or reduce hydroplaning, but this type cannot be placed until the temperature stays consistently at 60 degrees or higher at night,” Burkett said. “The work is done at night to reduce inconveniences for drivers because of the high volume of the traffic during the day.”

The overlaying of asphalt will also coincide with resurfacing the rest stop in the area, he added.

“At this point the contractor for the project is ready to do the work,” Burkett said. “We simply have to wait for the temperature to get right and it’s been a cold spring and a lot of rain. We’re seeing the potholes there and a lot of other places, which you expect after this kind of winter and rain.”

The project was expected to take a year to complete, but weather conditions have pushed the resurfacing aspect forward. Burkett said once the determination is made that temperatures are suitable for finishing the work, an announcement will be made to the public.

“Saying how long it takes to finish, once the contractor starts, is difficult to say,” Burkett said. “You still have to factor in weather conditions for the contractor. We know everyone is anxious to see it completed, but the weather should be turning around soon so that the asphalt can be applied properly and realize its safety factors.”