HUNTSVILLE — The Alabama Department of Transportation advises motorists that work will soon begin on a $44 million project to remove and reconstruct about 11 miles of Interstate 59 northbound between Reece City and Collinsville in Etowah and DeKalb counties. 

Weather permitting, contractor Wiregrass Construction will begin work Monday, Feb. 28. Initially,  the contractor will build up the outside shoulder of the southbound roadway, widening it for two-way traffic, in preparation for closure and reconstruction of the northbound roadway. The project extends from south of the Stephens Gap Road overpass to south of Exit 205 (Alabama 68). 

Motorists are advised to expect the closure of the outside southbound lane south of Exit 205. Please expect delays and plan additional travel time or use alternate routes. 

The project is anticipated to be completed in summer 2024. 

A separate, ongoing project to reconstruct about eight miles of I-59 northbound in Fort Payne at a  cost of $25.2 million is expected to be completed later this year.