By Jeff Devine
DALEVILLE — Work continues on the eastbound bridge over the Choctawhatchee River on Hwy 84 in Daleville. The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) announced that the bridge will remain closed during the maintenance work, which began on Monday, October 6. A full map of the detour is provided below.
According to ALDOT, the closure will affect only the eastbound bridge. The westbound bridge will remain open to traffic throughout the project.
The closure is expected to last about two weeks, after which the bridge will reopen with intermittent lane closures as additional work continues. Crews will perform bridge deck maintenance using hydroblasting, a process ALDOT describes as efficient, safe, and precise.
During the closure, motorists will follow a signed detour using State Routes 85 and 92. Temporary message boards have already been placed to alert drivers of the upcoming work.
ALDOT reminds travelers to obey posted speed limits and stay alert for workers and equipment in the construction zone.
The approximately $900,000 rehabilitation project was awarded to Comanche Construction of Georgia, LLC, based in Marietta, Georgia, as the lowest qualified bidder. ALDOT previously gathered public feedback on the project in July 2024.
In response to public frustration and multiple 911 calls over the detour, the Daleville Department of Public Safety (DDPS) released a statement urging residents not to call 911 to complain about the road closure unless there is a real emergency/road hazard.
“We have received multiple calls, both on the non-emergency line, and even more concerning, on 9-1-1 about the Highway 84 E road closure,” the department said.
The post continued, “1. We are very sorry you’re inconvenienced by this change, but please do not call 9-1-1 to berate our dispatchers. We are not responsible for the road work or the detour, and 9-1-1 is for emergencies.”
“2. If you were unable to voice your concerns last year when these plans were initially announced, or in the months leading up to the now-ongoing road work, please contact the Alabama Department of Transportation Project Administrator at 334-774-4542 or the Montgomery Office at 334-353-6554.”
“3. We will not send officers to detour traffic unless road hazards are identified. Detour signs are posted 2 miles ahead of the road closure on Highway 84, as well as on Highway 85 North and South, 1000 ft prior to the closure, and 500 ft prior to the closure.” “Be safe.”
For real-time traffic information, drivers can download the ALGOTraffic app or visit ALGOTraffic.com/map.
The Dale County Chronicle will continue to provide updates as new information becomes available.
