Today (January 7th) kicked off the 3.4-mile project that will widen Cecil Ashburn Drive, from two to four lanes between Old Big Cove Road and Four Mile Post Road. This will improve traffic flow, incorporate safety improvements like skid resistant pavement, and improve the Land Trust parking among other improvements. The project includes eight-foot shoulders along each side of the roadway. The project is expected to be fully complete by May 2020. The contractor will restore two lanes of travel (one lane in each direction) within 10-12 months (November). Project completion after that point is anticipated to extend an additional 8-10 months. The projected cost is $18 million.
All lanes in the area will be completely closed to traffic. People who live on Donegal Drive will be able to get in and out as usual.
Some other connectors that you can use while Cecil Ashburn is closed:
US 431/Governor’s Drive via Governor’s Drive
US Highway 72 via Eastern Bypass/Rock Cut Road
South Memorial Parkway/US 231 via Hobbs Island Road
Expect delays if you use any of those roads or normally use Cecil Ashburn for your commute. Plan to to spend extra time during your commute, especially during peak traffic hours.
The City of Huntsville also encourages ride sharing for those affected by the closure.