Major Tuscaloosa bridge gets $167M replacement plan

A plan to replace the McFarland Boulevard bridge over the Black Warrior River recently took another step forward.

A $167 million contract was awarded to the Scott Bridge Company out of Opelika. The project will replace two bridges along McFarland Boulevard (US Highway 82) including one over the river and another over Campus Drive.

Funds will be used to widen the highway and create a shared-use path for pedestrians and cyclists to pass over the Black Warrior River.

“We set in motion plans to construct a modern six through-traffic lane bridge with accommodations for pedestrian and bicycle traffic. Much credit for launching this long-needed bridge replacement project goes to former Senator Richard Shelby who secured a $100 million earmark in the 2023 federal omnibus spending bill, providing a significant portion of the funding.”

Gov. Kay Ivey

The construction is expected to begin in early 2027 and take approximately four years to complete. Drivers should expect changing traffic patterns throughout construction.

McFarland Boulevard bridge replacement

The Alabama Department of Transportation points to aging infrastructure and extra traffic space as the main reasons for the project.

ALDOT says the improvements are designed to enhance mobility, safety and accommodate continued growth along one of Tuscaloosa’s busiest transportation corridors, which carries approximately 50,000 vehicles per day.

The project will extend approximately 1.5 miles along McFarland Boulevard from near Rice Mine Road to the University Boulevard interchange ramps.

“Major infrastructure projects like this require years of planning and strong partnerships at every level of government. Replacing the aging bridges and adding capacity will keep traffic moving safely and reliably for decades to come. I look forward to seeing the benefits it will bring Tuscaloosa.”

Wallace McAdory III, West Central Region engineer

Additional information regarding the construction schedule, traffic impacts and public outreach efforts will be announced as the project progresses.