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Ongoing construction of a bridge on Jackson Street has been slowed due in large part to rain in recent months, but officials say the project could be completed by the end of February.

The project involved two bridges, referred to as the east and west bridges. The western bridge involved repairs and has been completed. The east bridge is being replaced and that project is expected to be completed by the end of February, weather permitting, according to Mayor John Laney.

“The bridge itself is complete, all that remains is the paving of the road, which requires the surface to be dry. We just need enough dry weather for the soil to dry out,” Laney said.

The City of Demopolis and the Alabama Department of Transportation have been working on the project.

According to Demopolis Projects Manager Mike Baker, the city and state have worked toward this project for many years.

“Both bridges have been involved in this project at different stages,” Baker said. “Deteriorations in the infrastructure required these bridges to either be repaired or replaced based on ALDOT bridge grades and inspections.”

Since the project began in late April, motorists have been detoured from Jackson Street, which serves as a route from the west side of town to the eastern and downtown areas.

The project is funded through an ALDOT grant, which requires a 20 percent match from the city, or just over $1.1 million.

(This article originally appeared in the Wednesday, February 5 issue of the Demopolis Times.)