Two bridge projects will force drivers to detour around Jackson Street over the coming months.

The City of Demopolis, in conjunction with the Alabama Department of Transportation will be repairing the west-side bridge on Jackson Street first followed by the replacement of the eastern-most bridge.

According to Demopolis Projects Manager Mike Baker, the city and state have worked toward this project for many years.

“Both bridges will be involved in this project at different stages,” Baker said. “Deteriorations in the infrastructure requires these bridges to either be repaired or replaced based on ALDOT bridge gradings and inspections.”

Motorists should be aware of the closing of Jackson Street, which is a common route to get from the downtown area to the west side of the city.

Crews will be in the area beginning April 18 to install signage necessary for the project. The west bridge will be closed starting April 22 to undergo repairs. Those repairs will close that bridge for approximately one month, according to Baker.

Following the work on the west bridge, the east bridge will close and replacing that bridge will take approximately six months to complete.

“Detours will be in place during this construction, but Hwy. 80 or Herbert Street would probably be the best alternatives to access the east and west sides of town,” Baker said.

The project is funded through an ALDOT grant, which requires a 20 percent match from the city, or just over $1.1 million.

“The city, ALDOT, and the contractors are requesting patience while our infrastructure is being upgraded for the betterment of the residents and businesses of Demopolis,” Baker said.

(This article originally appeared in the Wednesday, April 17 issue of the Demopolis Times.)