Fans filter into stadium after accident snarls traffic
November 03, 2007
A raucous, early arriving crowd started filling Bryant-Denny Stadium nearly 90 minutes before kickoff Saturday between Alabama and LSU.
At least, those were fans not delayed by a traffic accident that caused a tie-up on Interstate 20/59 near Mercedes on Saturday morning.
The accident on that stretch from Birmingham to Tuscaloosa caused two lanes to shut down. As late as noon, only one lane was open and traffic was backed up for miles.
University of Alabama athletic department officials sent out a warning encouraging fans to consider two detour options:
1. Use the Cottondale Route - which is:
From Birmingham, take I-20/I-59 toward Tuscaloosa.
Take exit 100.
At the top of the ramp, take a right on state Route 216.
Follow state Route 216 to University Boulevard East (HWY 215).
At the traffic light at the intersection of HWY 216 and University Boulevard East, proceed straight ahead.
Continue straight onto 15th Street East.
(Note: 15th Street East will bear to the right just past the bridge.)
Go beyond McFarland Boulevard.
Turn right on 6th Avenue East.
Proceed to the UA Campus.
Or
2. Take the McAdory exit off of I-459 and take Hwy 11 into Tuscaloosa.
