By MOLLIE BROWN/For the Reporter

CALERA – The Alabama Department of Transportation has set a tentative date to reopen exit 228 northbound to I-65 in Calera for June 17. The exit has been closed since April 22 to add an acceleration lane to the exit and build a new bridge just north of the exit.

Shelby County District Engineer Gary Ray said half of the bridge has been built.

“What we’ve done is build the east side of the bridge and raise the on ramp two and a half feet,” Ray said. “Now traffic will be moved to the east side in order for the old bridge to be torn down and the west side of the new bridge built.”

Weather permitting, transitioning interstate traffic will begin June 15. This involves closing a lane to remove the portable concrete barriers and paving and marking crews.

Ray cautions the on ramp will continue to have a stop condition as it did prior to the closure until the west side of the bridge is built. The project is scheduled to be completed Nov. 1.