Alabama Department of Transportation awarded Scott Bridge Company a $167 million contract on October 14, 2026, to replace Tuscaloosa’s Woolsey Finnell Bridge and a separate bridge over Campus Drive. The Alabama project covers about 1.5 miles of U.S. 82, or McFarland Boulevard, from near Rice Mine Road to the University Boulevard interchange ramps. Governor Kay Ivey announced the award, which followed three bids.
What it means
The contract calls for a six-lane replacement for the current four-lane Woolsey Finnell Bridge over the Black Warrior River. McFarland Boulevard will also receive additional travel lanes, and a shared-use path will provide a crossing for pedestrians and bicyclists.
Construction is expected to start in early 2027 and take up to four years. U.S. 82 will retain two lanes of traffic in each direction during construction. The corridor carries about 50,000 vehicles daily.
Key facts
- ALDOT awarded the $167 million contract to Scott Bridge Company.
- The contract award was made October 14, 2026.
- The project includes the Woolsey Finnell Bridge and the bridge over Campus Drive.
- The replacement bridge is planned with six lanes, compared with four lanes on the current bridge.
- Former Senator Richard Shelby secured a $100 million earmark in the 2023 federal omnibus spending bill.
- Construction is expected to begin in early 2027 and last up to four years.
Source: Office of the Governor of Alabama announcement