SALTWELL &8212; Officials with the Alabama Department of Transportation announced Thursday that portions of U.S. Highway 80 near Alabama Highway 28 will be open for multi-lane traffic beginning next week.

According to Chris Bedwell, project engineer, the westbound lane coming from Demopolis heading toward Cuba will now be open to two-lane traffic. More specifically, this lane opening includes the section of road spanning from Rock-Tenn Company until the west side of the intersection of Alabama Highway 28. This project has been under construction since May 2005, Bedwell said.

The eastbound lane coming from Cuba into Demopolis will continue to have construction and will remain open as one lane, Bedwell said. But after resurfacing is completed on this side of the road, all four lanes will be open to traffic. Bedwell said they anticipate for this to be done within two months.

Although the lane opening will free up some space, Bedwell urged drivers to remain cautious while passing through the area. Law enforcement including state troopers will continue to patrol the area for safety reasons.