Construction to replace the bridge on Kirby Bridge Road will begin the week of June 1 and will last about a year.| Randy Garrison

The bridge on Kirby Bridge Road in Danville will be replaced beginning June 1, causing motorists to find an alternate route during construction.

The bridge splits Morgan County District 1 and District 2.

District 2 Commissioner Randy Vest says the age and condition of the bridge are the reason for replacement.

The $4 million project is expected to take 12 months to complete. However, unforeseen circumstances such as weather could cause the project to take longer to complete.

Since there is not a road close to the bridge, traffic will need to detour to the east or west to avoid the bridge in order to move north. Neel School Road going east and Liberty Road going west would be alternative routes to avoid the bridge construction.

Funding for the project will be through Alabama Transportation Rehabilitation and Improvement Program, an ALDOT administered federal aid highway program that funds up to 80 percent of construction of important projects, with bridge replacement being eligible for the funds.

The remaining 20 percent will be paid  with local county commission funds.