The portion of Alabama 99 leading into Athens that has been close for six weeks is now open to traffic.

That’s the word from Limestone County District 4 Commissioner Bill Daws, who said he was notified by the state Department of Transportation that the road can reopen because work on the replacement of Round Island Bridge has been completed.

“That was good news to hear, because we’ve caught a lot of flack ever since that road has been closed,” Daws said. “But it’s safety first, and that’s my job.”

The road was closed seven weeks ago after a traffic fatality at the first detour off New Cut Road.

Commissioners said many motorists complained that the next detour on Lydia Corey Road was too far away.

The bridge had to be replaced because state engineers said it had deteriorated beyond repair.

Alabama 99 is one of the most heavily traveled highways in Limestone County.

Keenum Construction of Athens removed the bridge and replaced it with a culvert for $220,000.

The company had to remove the bridge, build a culvert and repave a portion of the highway.

State officials said a double-barrel culvert was installed to allow water from Round Island Creek to pass through.