FRUITDALE, AL — A bridge replacement project on County Road 62 in Washington County is scheduled to begin this spring.

The existing bridge has been rated as structurally deficient and will be replaced with a modern concrete structure.

ALDOT is funding the project, which is expected to take approximately eight months to complete.

A detour route has been planned and will add approximately 181 minutes to travel times for affected residents.

Local officials said the new bridge will have a wider driving surface and improved load capacity for heavy vehicles.

The County Commission has urged residents to plan alternate routes during the construction period.