On-ramps from U.S. 31 onto I-65 in Birmingham being closed for Corridor X work

BIRMINGHAM, Al.
The southbound and northbound on-ramps from U.S. 31 onto Interstate 65 in northern Birmingham will be closed beginning noon Monday as part of the work to build an interchange that will connect I-65 with Corridor X, state transportation officials have announced.

Once completed, the Birmingham-to-Memphis highway project -- Corridor X -- will become Interstate 22.  The ramps will remain closed until the interchange project is complete, which is scheduled to be in 2014.

The Alabama Department of Transportation contractor building the I-65/Corridor X interchange  has reached a phase of work that will require the closure of the on-ramps from U.S. Highway 31 to I-65 northbound and southbound, according to an ALDOT statement.  The ramps are being closed as this project continues to move forward with the adding of new lanes, bridges, ramps and other construction all simultaneously, according to the statement.

Right now, the off-ramps from I-65 onto U.S. 31 will continue to be open.

Weather permitting, the ramp closures will begin at noon on Monday.

In order to access I-65, motorists will be directed on a detour to Exit 267 at Walkers Chapel Road. A reduced speed limit of 45 mph is in effect throughout the work zone. Motorists are requested to consider using alternate routes, adjust arrival or departure times, observe work zone speed limits and other work zone signs, and use extreme caution in this area, according to the ALDOT statement.

For additional road closure information, go to www.dot.state.al.us