Selma to begin first phase of $4.5M riverfront project

The City of Selma and the Alabama Department of Transportation are moving forward with Phase 1 of a multi-million dollar project near Edmund Pettus Bridge on the Alabama River.

The first phase of the development will include a boardwalk and boat ramp. It is projected to cost around $800,000.

Keep reading to find out more about the first phase of construction + see what else is planned for the city’s historic district.

Riverfront boardwalk

$800,000 of grant money will go toward this first phase of the project which will include a boardwalk and a boat ramp. The city of Selma posted to social media on June 28 about working with ALDOT to push the development forward.

“The Riverfront Boardwalk Project is a significant initiative that aligns with the Transportation Alternatives Program goals of improving non-motorized transportation infrastructure with the ultimate objective of creating access to the Alabama River from Historic Downtown Selma. Our community is deeply invested in this project, and its completion will bring substantial economic and social benefits.”

~ City of Selma

The proposed development will run parallel to Water Avenue and Washington Street. ALDOT says the project will provide a recreational path and scenic overlook + a landing for aquatic traffic near Selma’s downtown commercial area.

Historic Riverfront Park Masterplan

In 2022, the city of Selma released its concept for the Riverfront Park. The total estimated cost was $4.56 million which included the boardwalk and boat ramp.

Other features in the original masterplan included:

• Playground
• Interactive water feature
• Amphitheater
• Pavilion
• Police station
• Dog park
• Historic Selma Carousel

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