FLORENCE — There’s good news for drivers along Mitchell Boulevard and Alabama Highway 20 in Florence.

A longer, taller and wider Mitchell Boulevard bridge is coming.

ALDOT opened bids to replace the 88-year-old U.S. 43/U.S. 72/Mitchell Boulevard bridge over Highwat 20 in Florence.

The new bridge will improve clearance for traffic on Highway 20 with wider inside and outside shoulders in both directions to improve safety.

Of three bidders, contractor Miller & Miller submitted the apparent low bid of $7,247,268. ALDOT anticipated bids between $6.8 million and $8.3 million. Construction is pending bid review and award of the contract.

The project will replace the four-span concrete T-beam bridge constructed in 1938 with a clear span bridge, meaning the bridge will have no mid-span supports.