ALABASTER – More road construction is set to take place in Alabaster in the new year to relieve traffic congestion on U.S. 31 in the area of Interstate 65.

In an effort to reduce traffic congestion on U.S. 31 where traffic turns left to merge onto Interstate 65, the Alabama Department of Transportation plans to install a second left turn lane in the southbound lanes. Once complete, the extra lane should reduce traffic congestion on the bridge by allowing more vehicles to turn onto the interstate at one time.

Construction is expected to begin in early January and will take one to two months to complete. The median barrier will be removed, and some of the shoulder space on the bridge will be used to create space for the extra turn lane.

During construction, the timing of the traffic lights will be adjusted to minimize delays.