Tuscaloosa Approves $44M Contract to Widen Historic Trestle Bridge

The three-year project aims to improve access to West Tuscaloosa and expand the city's Riverwalk.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 10:40pm

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A highly stylized, isometric 3D digital illustration depicting the historic Tuscaloosa trestle bridge and surrounding cityscape in bold, geometric forms and vibrant colors, conveying the scale and impact of the upcoming infrastructure project.A $44 million project to widen the road beneath Tuscaloosa's iconic trestle bridge aims to unlock new development opportunities and better connect the city's underserved West side.Tuscaloosa Today

The city of Tuscaloosa has awarded a $44 million contract to widen the road beneath the historic wooden railroad trestle bridge downtown. The project, which is expected to take about three years, will dramatically improve access to the underdeveloped West Tuscaloosa area and allow for the expansion of the city's Riverwalk system.

Why it matters

Widening the bottlenecked Jack Warner Parkway beneath the iconic trestle bridge has long been a priority for Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox, who says it will open up over 100 acres of developable properties in West Tuscaloosa and help connect that underserved part of the city to the growing River District.

The details

The project involves removing some of the old wooden supports of the 125-year-old trestle and replacing them with modern bracing at wider intervals, allowing larger trucks and vehicles to use Jack Warner Parkway. It will also connect the Western Riverwalk to the main Tuscaloosa Riverwalk, creating a continuous five-plus-mile walking track.

  • Work on the project is expected to begin this summer.
  • The project is targeted for completion in early spring 2029.

The players

Walt Maddox

The mayor of Tuscaloosa who has been trying to make this project happen since he was first elected in 2005.

Scott Bridge Co., Incorporated

A family-owned construction firm headquartered in Opelika that was awarded the $44 million contract for the project.

Mike Garidener

The city engineer who said the project is the third and final phase of improvements to Jack Warner Parkway.

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What they’re saying

“This will open up initially 100-plus acres of developable properties in West Tuscaloosa, which I think will be exciting. There are not many properties like that in Tuscaloosa.”

— Walt Maddox, Mayor of Tuscaloosa

“When I was sworn in on October 3rd, 2005, I pledged to the people of West Tuscaloosa to reverse decades of neglect. I believe that over the last 20 years, we have certainly done that through our investments, but this project, to me, signifies that continued commitment in a way that is tangible and will make a difference for decades to come.”

— Walt Maddox, Mayor of Tuscaloosa

What’s next

Work is expected to begin this summer, and the city is targeting a completion in early spring 2029.

The takeaway

This major infrastructure project in Tuscaloosa will not only improve transportation and access to the West Tuscaloosa area, but also serve as a symbolic step in the city's efforts to revitalize and connect underserved parts of the community.