Moffett Road Lane Closures Near I-65 Set for Oct. 19 to Nov. 3 for Railroad Crossing Upgrades

MOBILE, Ala. — Drivers on Moffett Road near Interstate 65 should plan for slowdowns over the next two weeks as Moffett Road lane closures take effect for railroad crossing safety upgrades. The work on U.S. Highway 98 is scheduled to begin Monday, Oct. 19, and continue through Tuesday, Nov. 3, weather permitting.

Alabama Export Railroad will carry out the railroad grade crossing improvements, according to the Alabama Department of Transportation. One lane in each direction will remain open on U.S. 98 throughout the project, but ALDOT is urging motorists to expect delays and to use alternate routes when they can.

Work schedule and lane closures

Crews will tackle the project in two stages. The westbound railroad crossings will be upgraded first. Once that work is complete, traffic will be shifted so crews can finish the eastbound crossings.

• Dates: Monday, Oct. 19, through Tuesday, Nov. 3, weather permitting
• Location: U.S. 98 (Moffett Road) near I-65 in Mobile
• Lanes: One lane open in each direction through the work zone
• Order of work: Westbound crossings first, then eastbound

Directional signs will guide drivers through the work zone. ALDOT asks motorists to follow the signs and obey reduced speed limits while crews are present.

Turn restrictions at the I-65 service roads

The project will change how drivers move between Moffett Road and the I-65 service roads, an important detail for anyone who uses the interchange area to reach the interstate.

• No turns from eastbound U.S. 98 onto the I-65 East Service Road. Drivers who need to reach northbound I-65 should use the I-65 West Service Road to get to the U.S. 45 interchange.
• No left turns from the I-65 East Service Road onto U.S. 98.
• The I-65 West Service Road remains open. Access to the west service road will stay available during the work.

Traffic signals in the area will be monitored and adjusted as needed to help manage congestion, according to ALDOT.

Suggested alternate routes

ALDOT recommends that drivers consider Spring Hill Avenue and U.S. 45 to avoid delays near the work zone.

Spring Hill Avenue connects Midtown Mobile with the Spring Hill area, while U.S. 45, also known as St. Stephens Road in parts of Mobile, runs northwest from the city and has its own interchange with I-65. Both routes give drivers options for getting across the I-65 corridor without passing through the Moffett Road crossings.

Commuters who regularly use Moffett Road during the morning and evening rush may want to leave a few extra minutes for their trips or check traffic conditions before heading out.

Why grade crossing upgrades matter

A grade crossing is a place where a road and a railroad track cross at the same level. Upgrades at these crossings can include new crossing surfaces, improved approaches, and signals or gates, all intended to make it safer and smoother for vehicles to cross the tracks and for trains to pass through.

Rail safety has been on the minds of many Mobile County residents in recent weeks. In September, the Mobile County Health Department shared rail safety tips with the public following deadly crashes involving trains in Theodore, encouraging drivers and pedestrians to treat every set of tracks as a reminder to expect a train.

Basic safety advice applies at any crossing, including those in a work zone:

• Never stop on railroad tracks; make sure there is room to clear the crossing before driving onto it.
• Obey all signals, gates and flaggers.
• Slow down in work zones and watch for workers and equipment.
• Avoid distractions such as phones while driving through construction areas.

A busy corridor

Moffett Road, which carries the U.S. 98 designation through Mobile, is one of the main routes connecting the city with west and northwest Mobile County, including the Semmes and Wilmer areas, and continuing toward Mississippi. Near I-65, it passes through a commercial area and crosses several sets of railroad tracks.

Because of that mix of commuter traffic, trucks and nearby businesses, even a temporary reduction to one lane in each direction can lead to backups at peak times, which is why ALDOT is encouraging drivers to plan ahead.

What to expect after the work

The lane closures are expected to end once the crossing upgrades are finished, with the schedule calling for completion by Tuesday, Nov. 3. Weather could affect the timeline.

ALDOT thanked motorists for their patience and cooperation while the safety improvements are completed. Drivers can check current conditions on Alabama roads through ALDOT’s ALGO Traffic website and app.