More changes are coming to turning lanes along U.S. 278 as part of a nearly $3 million project to widen and resurface the highway through the heart of downtown Cullman. 

Concrete dividers are being prepped for left turning lanes at the U.S. 278/U.S. 31 intersection and one block down at U.S. 278 and Third Avenue Southwest. Beginning at Interstate 65, on Cullman’s west side, to Alabama 69 at East Point, 5.56 miles of the highway will be under construction throughout the summer. 

In addition to paving, the project will adjust access mechanisms along the highway’s east-west route where 15,000 vehicles travel daily. Good Hope Contracting is heading up the project with its winning bid of $2.89 million.

Recent changes to U.S. 278 between St. Bernard Prep School and East Point have left some local drivers confused.

The Alabama Department of Transportation reconfigured the four-lane highway to a three-lane, with the middle lane now a left-turn lane. 

When the highway was first changed last week, there were several people who did not realize there is now a turn lane. Some motorists drove like it was still a four-lane, according to Cullman police. 

ALDOT has also added a digital sign warning drivers that the middle lane of the highway has changed. The new turning lane is expected change to make it safer for drivers trying to turn left. Cars previously had to stop in the left lane while trying to turn, causing multiple accidents – including at least one fatality – where people were rear-ended by another car that did not stop, police said.

With this or any other kind of road work, the best thing a driver can do is pay attention to their surroundings and look for signs or other changes, White said.

“Notice that there is a change and pay attention to it,” he said.