Enterprise, Ala.– (WDNews) The City of Enterprise has announced the immediate closure of Veterans Parkway between Highway 167 and Highway 51 due to fire-related damage at the Command Sergeant Major Bennie G. Adkins State Veterans Home.
According to city officials, the decision was made following the April 16 fire that damaged the facility. “Veterans Parkway served as one of the main routes to the facility. With the home temporarily unoccupied due to fire-related damage, the road closure is necessary to ensure safety and to support ongoing repair efforts,” the city explained in a release.
The Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs (ADVA) is actively working to repair the home, with hopes of allowing veterans to return soon. “The Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs (ADVA) is actively working to make the necessary repairs to the State Veterans Home, with the goal of enabling veterans to return to the facility as soon as possible,” the statement continued.
While both Highway 167 and Highway 51 remain open, the city advised, “Motorists are advised that while Highway 167 and Highway 51 remain open, the direct connection via Veterans Parkway will be unavailable until further notice. The roadway will reopen once renovation efforts reach a stage where safe access to the Veterans Home can be restored. At this time, there is no set timeline for reopening.”
Mayor William E. Cooper urged the public to remain patient. “I encourage all of our residents to remain patient and understanding during this temporary closure,” Mayor Cooper said. “Please continue to keep our veterans, the dedicated caregivers, and the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs in your thoughts and prayers as they work through this challenging time. We eagerly await the day we can welcome our heroes back home to a fully restored Command Sergeant Major Bennie G. Adkins State Veterans Home.”
The City of Enterprise thanked the public for its cooperation and added, “Further updates will be provided as progress is made.”
