By By Adam Prestridge
The sounds of jackhammers and bulldozers and the sight of dump trucks are all too familiar for residents of Atmore.
For the past several weeks, workers have been replacing a box culvert on Ridgeley Street. Crews started repairing the roadway Friday afternoon as they began their cleanup efforts following the extensive project.
Atmore mayor Howard Shell said repairs on the aging box culvert were needed following erosion damage after Hurricane Ivan.
SC Stagner Contracting, Inc. of Saraland has been performing the work, which began in early December in front of Country Charms. The work continued over Hwy. 21 for more than 880 feet on Ridgeley Street behind City Hall. Work on the drainage system resulted in several weeks of detoured traffic because crews had to dig tremendous holes in the ground to unearth the deteriorating system and also had to avoid numerous underground utilities.
According to Atmore city clerk Becca Smith, the city secured a grant from FEMA in the amount of $584,820 to pay for a majority of the $651,000 project. The city will pay the remaining balance of $66,180.
Work should be completed the early part of next week.
Executives with SC Stagner Contracting were unavailable for comment as of press time.