Troopers

A bridge on I-65 southbound over the CSX railroad north of the Lacon Exit was damaged by a heavy piece of equipment during a tractor trailer crash Wednesday evening. 

The bridge has remained closed as crews from the Alabama Department of Transportation work to repair extensive damage. Detours are in place until the work can be completed.

“Most of the damage appears to have been caused by a nearly 60-ton landfill compactor that was being hauled on a flatbed trailer. The compactor’s toothed drum wheels gouged the bridge deck. The inside guardrail and bridge rail at the bridge abutment were also damaged. Also, the asphalt roadway was gouged and further damaged by spilled diesel fuel,” said Seth Burkett of ALDOT. “It has been necessary to keep the bridge closed until the personnel could assess the damage.”

Burkett said the bridge remains structurally sound. However, the gouges in the deck and roadway require repair before reopening to traffic. Crews have removed the damage concrete on the bridge deck and are placing forms in preparation for pouring new concrete. If all goes well, the bridge may be reopened by noon or earlier Friday.

The detour for southbound passenger vehicles is now Exit 325 to Thompson Road westbound in Hartselle to U.S. 31 southbound to I-65 southbound at Exit 318 at Lacon. Exit 334 is still the detour for truck traffic.

The damage and subsequent work affects southbound traffic.

David Palmer may be contacted at 256-734-2131, ext. 116.