CALERA – Construction crews will begin removing the old U.S. 31 bridge above Interstate 65 in Calera beginning at 11 p.m. on Tuesday, March 12.

Crews are set to work from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m., said Alabama Department of Transportation engineer Todd Connell.

Crews will begin removing the part of the bridge above the southbound lanes of I-65 first. In the overnight construction hours, I-65 southbound traffic will be rerouted to the Exit 231 off ramp, cross over the U.S. 31 bridge and get back onto I-65 via the Exit 231 on ramp. Motorists are encouraged to take alternate routes if possible.

The same process will be used to removal the portion of the bridge over the northbound I-65 lanes.

Taking down the old bridge will take about two weeks. Once the old bridge is removed, the remainder of the new bridge will be constructed.

“We’re asking motorists to please be patient with this process because it will be nice when it’s done,” Connell said.