The World Games will draw athletes from all over the world to Birmingham, Ala., in July and in an effort to keep the participants and spectators as safe as possible, the state Department of Transportation has issued a series of restrictions for a certain element of trucks.

ALDOT is restricting all hazardous material cargo shipments on I-59/20 through downtown Birmingham during the World Games from July 7 to July 17, 2022.

The affected stretch of I-59/20 is from I-65 to the east of the E.B. Stephens Freeway (US 31). Enforcement will be very strict.

ALDOT already is using digital message signs on various interstate routes to alert traffic. Statis signs also will be placed in high-traffic areas.

Carriers hauling hazmat cargo must use the I-459 to bypass affected areas to pass-through destinations.

The World Games is an 11-day international multi-sport event organized with the support of the International Olympic Committee. An anticipated 3,600 athletes from all over the world will compete in 30 sports. Event organizers are expecting more than 500,000 spectators to come through the area during the event.