Construction on the next phase of the south approach to the Patton Island bridge is expected to begin in early 2008, the local Alabama Department of Transportation Division Engineer said Thursday.

A seven-lane road leading from the bridge through Muscle Shoals now funnels down to two lanes near Avalon Avenue.

In June, division engineer James Brown announced that the next phase of construction, from about 700 feet south of Avalon Avenue to 2,000 feet south of the Norfolk Southern Railroad overpass, had been moved to 2013.

Brown announced Thursday at a meeting of the Shoals Metropolitan Planning Organization that construction is now scheduled to begin in February.

He said the project had been "temporarily moved" to 2013 while the state's five-year plan was being finalized.

The construction phase, which includes grade and drain and base and pave projects, is slated for 2008 on the DOT's five-year plan.

"I think they found out that it turned out to be an oversight," state Sen. Bobby Denton, D-Muscle Shoals, said. "I know I constantly reminded them of the importance of that project."

According to the five-year plan, the .65-mile project is estimated to cost $17.7 million to $26.5 million, including an overpass above the tracks leading out of Norfolk Southern's Sheffield rail yard.

"It's great news that they are going to extend it to the (railroad) overpass," Muscle Shoals Mayor David Bradford said. "We have four lanes under the overpass now, so that also will help us keep traffic flowing."

He said previous news about the project being delayed until 2013 was disturbing because there is an urgent need for the corridor to be completed to Alabama 157/Alabama 20.

Bradford said he's cautiously optimistic about the project staying on the transportation department's list now, largely as a result of commitments from U.S. Rep. Bud Cramer, D-Ala., and Gov. Bob Riley to make completion of the corridor a priority.

"This phase will be very beneficial for what we hope the future holds for the Shoals Research Air Park," Bradford said. "We anticipate growth there, with more businesses locating there."

"With North American Lighting already up and running and the development of the air park, the intersection of Wilson Dam Road and Sixth Street already needs a major updating, with turn lanes and new traffic signals. This project will take care of those needs."

Bradford said the corridor was planned and designed 20 years ago, which shows the importance of the Shoals MPO. He said the organization is all about planning 10, 15 and 20 years into the future.

Denton said the DOT is starting to concentrate on completing existing projects rather than embarking on new roadway construction.

According the five-year plan, utility relocation and right-of-way purchase for the section of roadway from 2,000 feet of the overpass to Alabama 157/Alabama 20 is also scheduled for 2008.

Right-of-way acquisition is estimated to cost $6 million to $9 million while utility relocation is estimated at $320,000 to $480,000, according to the plan.

Russ Corey can be reached at 740-5738 or russ.corey@timesdaily.com.