2015 Barriers Go Up on I-65

LIMESTONE COUNTY, AL (WAFF) -
By Nick Lough

Safety improvements are coming to a big stretch of Interstate 65 in North Alabama. Work looks to be underway to put in cable barriers in the median.

Crews are installing the barriers from Mile Marker 313 in Cullman County, north to Mile Marker 341.5 in Limestone County. 

The Alabama Department of Transportation's Johnny Harris said the state is going with cable barriers and not concrete because of the cost and maneuverability. 

Harris said the total cost of the contract is $1.3 million. 

According to Harris, there's a proposal to do a similar project along 565 in Limestone and Madison Counties. 

Harris is unsure when work on that could potentially begin. 

Alabama State Trooper Curtis Summerville said the barriers are a welcomed addition to the interstate, but drivers still need to stay alert.

"You can certainly still have bad crashes if you're driving too fast or not paying attention to what you're doing," Summerville said. "(Cable barriers) prevent you from crossing that median, but again, there are still things that can go on in the lane you're traveling in."

ALDOT leaders said they prioritize cable barrier projects after they review accident data.

(H/T: MYFOXAL.COM)