The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) on Thursday issued a release stressing that it is maintaining essential services, such as road and bridge maintenance and construction, during the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
The release advised ALDOT continues to join in the national effort to prevent the spread of coronavirus and flatten the curve.
“ALDOT’s mission is to move people and goods, and that includes things such as products to keep stores stocked and supplies for healthcare providers and manufacturers of the equipment needed for community safety and sanitation,” stated George Conner, deputy director of operations for ALDOT.
“Many of our employees and contractors continue to work while taking extra precautions to protect their health,” he continued. “At a time where trucking and the shipment of essential goods is vital, ALDOT is working hard to advance the maintenance and construction that’s required for our interstates and state highways.”
Most ALDOT functions, including maintenance work (such as repairing flood-damaged roadways) and construction projects, are considered essential functions by the department. Other than temporary lane closures to facilitate construction and repairs or to respond to a traffic incident, no interstate or other state-maintained roads are closed, and none are expected to close, according to the department.
“We are committed to safety in all aspects of our operations, which includes our work zones,” Conner concluded. We’re doing all we can to keep our projects moving. As always, we ask that motorists drive alertly around the many work zones that remain active at this time.”
ALDOT further released the following guidance:
Rest Areas
Restrooms remain open at ALDOT rest areas and welcome centers across the state. Throughout the day, the staff cleans and sanitizes the areas used most frequently by travelers, including door handles, counters, faucets and toilets. In addition, deep cleanings are performed on the restrooms each week. While rest area employees are focused on cleaning at this time, a phone number is posted at each rest area and welcome center for travelers to call if they need information or assistance.
General Operations
ALDOT personnel will continue to monitor and respond to traffic incidents and roadway issues. ALDOT traffic operations and Alabama Service & Assistance Patrol (ASAP) responders will continue serving in areas where they currently operate.
Public Involvement Meetings
All ALDOT public involvement meetings are postponed until further notice.
Permit Operations
Local ALDOT offices will continue to receive and process permits for work on ALDOT right of way. The ALDOT Oversize/Overweight Permit Office will continue to accept and process applications for oversize/overweight vehicles on Alabama highways.
RELATED: Keep up with Alabama’s confirmed coronavirus cases, locations here
Sean Ross is the editor of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn
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