RED BAY — The new Alabama Highway 247 bridge over Little Bear Creek northeast of Red Bay in Franklin County opened to traffic Monday.

Riley Bridge Co. substantially completed the $3.3 million project in slightly more than a year. The project included demolition of a 1963 bridge and construction of a wider, safer bridge in its place.

Part of the highway closed for bridge demolition last November. The contractor installed girders for the replacement bridge in late spring, and poured the concrete bridge deck during the summer.

The contractor removed the physical barriers at the bridge today, though removing signs related to the closure and detour and other traffic control devices will likely continue through Wednesday.

ALDOT advises motorists that the area remains an active work zone. Final work items, including installation of permanent striping, will be performed using single-lane closures with traffic directed by flaggers. Please reduce speed and exercise caution.