ALDOT Plans McFarland Boulevard Closures for Weekend Welding

Lane closures are planned for one of Tuscaloosa's busiest thoroughfares this weekend. The Alabama Department of Transportation announced it will close a portion of McFarland Boulevard Friday and Saturday to allow the contractor to perform arch welding at the new Interstate 20/59 bridge.

Get our free mobile app

In a Wednesday press release, ALDOT announced the westbound lanes of McFarland Boulevard will be closed from 11 p.m. Friday, March 5 until 9 a.m. Saturday, March 6. The eastbound lanes will be closed from 11 p.m. Saturday, March 6 until 9 a.m. Sunday, March 7. The lane closures only impact the portion of McFarland Boulevard that runs directly underneath the 20/59 bridge at Exit 73.

Law enforcement will be on site this weekend to help reroute traffic while ALDOT crews carry out welding work on the new arch bridge.

"The arches are necessary, as they will hold the weight of the bridge over McFarland Boulevard and will allow the contractor to remove the underneath temporary support," ALDOT said in a press release announcing the scheduled work. "The design will allow for more space on McFarland Boulevard where the single-point urban interchange will be constructed. The SPUI will improve travel time while also enhancing safety."

Drivers are encouraged to seek an alternate route this weekend while crews are onsite.