Northport Breaks Ground on Long Awaited Bridge: The City of Northport celebrated the commencement of a long-awaited projectthe replacement of the bridge on Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd over Two Mile Creekwith a groundbreaking ceremony. A road closure is scheduled between Red Bird Lane and Valley Hills Drive.
Over the next 10 months, drivers in Northport’s District 2 will need to take a detour due to the road closure. City leaders believe this inconvenience is a small price to pay for ensuring the safety of vehicles passing through.
Councilman Woodrow Washington from Northport District 2 emphasized the project’s importance, noting that it has been in the works for three decades. It gained priority status when it became evident that the existing bridge was no longer safe for emergency vehicles.
In emergencies, every second counts, and the closure aims to prevent potential delays in reaching the other side of the bridge. Washington expressed his willingness to address challenges for the sake of progress.
The closed bridge is surrounded by residential neighborhoods with significant daily traffic. Some local drivers welcomed the news of the bridge replacement, citing the current bridge’s age and narrow structure.
Northport resident David McCray expressed relief, stating, “Well, I am glad that they are replacing it because it’s an old bridge and it’s narrow.” Another resident, Kevin Shobe, highlighted the need for better roads in the community, emphasizing the dangers posed by the current conditions for pedestrians and cyclists.
Washington expects the bridge to be completed by the end of the next summer, contingent on favorable weather conditions.
ALSO READ: Fairhope Working Waterfront Project: Revitalized Hope Emerges