Motorists driving through downtown Clanton this week should expect traffic delays related to the expansion of the intersection of U.S. Highway 31 and Fourth Avenue.

Partial lane closures planned for this week are from Fifth Avenue on Highway 31 southbound to the intersection of Fourth Avenue North, and from Highway 31 on Fourth Avenue North to Eighth Street on the westbound side.

Clanton Police Chief Brian Stilwell said motorists should be mindful of the partial closures and associated delays as state crews work to widen the intersection of Fourth Avenue (Alabama Highway 22) and Highway 31 (Seventh Street) in Clanton.

“While the road’s not closed, there could be some delays,” Stilwell said. “We’re just trying to encourage people to take another way.”

Stilwell said the southbound lane of traffic on Highway 31 would be closed, and all traffic in the southbound lane would be moved into the left turning lane.

The northbound lane will not be affected. Barricades and cones will be placed along the road to keep traffic away from construction areas.

“We’re going to have to do some lane-shifting,” Stilwell said. “If they could take another way, that would help.”

Stilwell said the first phase of the construction is expected to last through the week. The entire project has a 30-day time limit.

After this week, traffic plans for the remainder of the project will be announced, Stilwell said.