ALDOT Awards $167M Contract To Replace Tuscaloosa's Woolsey Finnell Bridge

TUSCALOOSA, AL — Gov. Kay Ivey on Thursday announced that the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) has awarded a $167 million contract to replace Tuscaloosa's aging Woolsey Finnell Bridge over the Black Warrior River.

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ALDOT says the project will replace the existing four-lane bridge with a modern six-lane structure while making major improvements to U.S. Highway 82, also known as McFarland Boulevard.

ALDOT awarded the contract Wednesday, Oct. 14, to Opelika-based Scott Bridge Co., which submitted the lowest of three bids received for the project.

"For too long, folks crossing the Black Warrior River in Tuscaloosa have experienced their own 'rammer jammer' rush hour traffic while trying to negotiate the aging four lane Woolsey Finnell Bridge," Ivey said. "Today, we set in motion plans to construct a modern six lane bridge with accommodations for pedestrian and bicycle traffic."

The governor also credited former Republican U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby with helping secure funding for the long-awaited project.

"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," Ivey said.

In addition to replacing the Woolsey Finnell Bridge, the project will replace the bridge over Campus Drive and widen McFarland Boulevard to accommodate additional travel lanes.

ALDOT said a dedicated shared-use path across the Black Warrior River will also provide a new connection for pedestrians and bicyclists.

Officials pointed out that the improvements will cover approximately 1.5 miles of McFarland Boulevard, stretching from near Rice Mine Road to the University Boulevard interchange ramps.

According to ALDOT, the corridor currently carries approximately 50,000 vehicles daily, making it one of Tuscaloosa's busiest transportation routes.

Construction is expected to begin in early 2027 and could take up to four years to complete, meaning the project could extend into 2031.

Motorists should expect changing traffic patterns throughout construction, although ALDOT said the contractor will be required to maintain two lanes of traffic in each direction on U.S. 82.

"Major infrastructure projects like this require years of planning and strong partnerships at every level of government," ALDOT's West Central Region engineer Wallace McAdory III said. "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."