Tuscaloosa Approves $44M for Jack Warner Parkway Train Trestle Expansion

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The city of Tuscaloosa has approved nearly $44 million in funding for the third phase of the Jack Warner Parkway project, which will focus on expanding and upgrading the aging wooden train trestles that cross over the busy roadway as it transitions into Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.

Why it matters

The Jack Warner Parkway is a critical transportation artery in Tuscaloosa, connecting the downtown area to the University of Alabama campus and other key destinations. Improving the trestle infrastructure is expected to ease traffic congestion and enhance safety for both vehicles and pedestrians in the area.

The details

The $43,985,655.51 in approved funding will go towards widening the existing train trestles, adding additional lanes, and upgrading the overall structural integrity of the crossings. City officials say the project is necessary to accommodate growing traffic volumes and prepare the roadway for future development in the surrounding neighborhoods.

• The Tuscaloosa City Council's projects committee approved the funding on April 7, 2026.
• Construction on the trestle expansion is expected to begin in the summer of 2026 and take approximately 18 months to complete.

What’s next

Once construction begins, the city will work to minimize disruptions to traffic flow along the Jack Warner Parkway corridor. Periodic lane closures and detours are expected, but officials say they will coordinate closely with local businesses and residents to ensure access is maintained throughout the project.