18-wheeler loses steel coil, causes damage and traffic issues on I-565 westbound exit ramp

Update: ALDOT said work to repair the overpass would continue on Thursday.

“The asphalt repair is complete and they are doing preparatory work for the concrete repair, but will not pour concrete until [Thursday]. They should be off the flyover bridge by 4 p.m. [Wednesday]. The outside shoulder will remain closed overnight, and then they will close the outside lane again [Thursday] after morning rush and probably be finished by mid-afternoon,” ALDOT said.

DECATUR, Ala. (WHNT) — The Interstate 565 westbound exit ramp to south Interstate 65 was down to one lane after an 18-wheeler lost a steel coil.

According to the Decatur Police Department, this caused damage to the bridge and pavement in the right lane. Traffic was down to the left lane on the interchange.

The Alabama Department of Transportation said the “approach, deck and rail” of the flyover bridge were damaged in several places.

Crews with ALDOT responded and patched lightly damaged areas, but the department said more heavily damaged areas along the shoulder will be covered with metal plates.

ALDOT said it will reopen the right lane of the ramp and bridge once temporary repairs are completed. The department added that the right shoulder will remain closed until further notice to keep traffic away from the damaged guardrail and plated areas of the bridge deck.

Crews will temporarily close the right lane for asphalt repair again on Wednesday, starting at 9 a.m. Permanent repairs to the damaged bridge, deck and rail will be performed later.

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