Closures Coming as Contractors Add New I-20 Arch Over McFarland

Stop me if you've heard this one before -- McFarland Boulevard will be closed under I-20/59 next weekend as a team of contractors works to install a new structural arch two weeks after pulling down one that was deemed defective.

Closures begin next Tuesday from 7 a.m. until 11 p.m., when the eastbound outside lane of McFarland Boulevard will close to allow the contractor one section of the arch.

Two days later, on Thursday, January 28th, the outside westbound lane will close for the same time period during another partial installation.

That weekend, all lanes of McFarland will close under the interstate will close in both directions from 11. p.m. Friday until 5 p.m. Sunday as the workers complete the installation.

The westbound outside lane of I-20/59 will also close near Exit 73 from 8 p.m. Friday until 5 p.m. Saturday.

"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," the Alabama Department of Transporation said in a press release. "This design will allow for more space on McFarland Boulevard where the single-point urban exchange will be constructed."

Read the full announcement below, and make plans to see more orange cones and closed roads next week.