By By ROBERT BLANKENSHIP
Advance Managing Editor
Local residents used to traveling along Highway 31 have probably noticed a delay in their driving time lately.
That is due to a resurfacing project that has made its way south from Flomaton to Atmore where construction is currently just north of the city limits. Along with that project, another is about to begin at the Escambia and Baldwin County line which will work north to meet the current project.
The project to the north of Atmore is a resurfacing project that is nearing completion. The Alabama Department of Transportation has repaved driveways and shoulders and replaced topsoil along the shoulders.
Joey Nunnally, district engineer for ADOT, said the northern project is at a waiting stage until it can be striped.
The second project has yet to begin. Weaver and Sons of Mobile was recently awarded the contract and Nunally said the state has a contract with them for 45 working days.
The project will be more extensive than the northern part. Highway 31 south of Atmore will require more milling than did the northern portion. Milling is a process of grinding up asphalt and completely rebuilding the road. The asphalt taken will be recycled and used again.
Nunnally said the work could be an inconvenience for visitors to downtown Atmore.
In order to protect drivers and those working on the road, Nunnally asks that everyone take their time and stay aware while driving in construction areas.
Another project that is currently underway by the ADOT in Atmore is a turn lane on Highway 21 at the new school. Nunnally said the project will not be completed by the first day of school. Depending on weather and other factors, he said the work would probably be completed in two to three weeks.