Baldwin County residents and visitors may need to pack a little extra patience when driving in Spanish Fort this summer.

The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) announced May 29 that the widening of U.S.-31 began Monday, June 3. The project will widen the roadway to add a center turn lane.

Brian Aaron, ALDOT assistant region engineer, explained this project is a much smaller-scale one than the most recently completed project in Spanish Fort that expanded part of U.S. 31 from two lanes to four and five lanes from County Road 181 to Highway 225.

“This project is being funded with safety dollars. So, where that previous project was all about capacity, this is more about safety,” Aaron said. “What we’re doing is widening the two lanes to provide a three-lane section. What that will do is get turning vehicles out of the through lane and give them a center turn lane to be able to make left turns into businesses and side streets.”

The $1.5 million project is funded through 90% federal with 10% matching state funds. Construction was set to begin Monday, June 3, and will take place during daytime hours. The project is projected to be complete by late summer 2024 barring any weather delays.

DETOUR

Aaron said the biggest interruption during construction will be a detour for northbound travelers. He said the detour is required due to the narrow area and narrow right of way.

“In order to widen the roadway safely, we’re fortunate that we’ve got a parallel route to be able to help handle traffic while we do this widening,” Aaron said. “What motorists are going to see is that southbound travel will remain on U.S. 31 will stay like they typically do. Northbound, those drivers will be detoured onto and use Old Highway 31 and come back out around Trattoria Pizza.”

Aaron said he expects the detour to last approximately four weeks.

The widening of US-31 between Old Highway 31 to just east of Coleman Lane will wrap up the two-mile widening project. The road has been widened to three lanes from the Shambo Road/Stroh Road intersection to Eastern Shore Boulevard. This area sees 18,000 vehicles per day, according to a press release from ALDOT.

“Like always, we tell drivers, anytime you’re in a construction zone, pay attention and don’t drive distracted,” Aaron said. “There’s workers out there, lots of cones and traffic devices to be looking out for so pay attention and slow down to the posted speed limits.”

To stay up to date on the progress of the project, ALDOT recommends drivers download the ALGO app or visit, www.ALDOTNews.com.