County staff: Riverside (Depot Street) bridge replacement under ALDOT agreement; closures could last months

County staff told commissioners they have received the agreement with the Alabama Department of Transportation for the Riverside Bridge replacement (project DMO‑A247246) and will deliver a contract with the engineering firm before the end of the month.

Staff emphasized this is a replacement project on Depot Street and said they have a plan to provide a bypass so motorists would not have to drive a long detour during construction. When asked how long any traffic closure might last, a county staff member said, “Probably more like six calendar months,” adding that a cast‑in‑place structure of that size typically requires about that much time for the closed portion of work. County staff also said planning and right‑of‑way acquisition elements would extend the project timeline and that they expect much of the preparatory work to occur over the coming year.

Why it matters: Bridge replacements can affect local traffic patterns, emergency‑response routes and coordination with state and federal permitting. Commissioners did not act formally in the work session; staff will return with the engineering agreement for the regular meeting.