New And Improved McWright’s Ferry Road Opens Ahead of Schedule

TUSCALOOSA, AL — The City of Tuscaloosa on Friday opened the new section of McWright’s Ferry Road from the Bryant Bridge intersection to near Waterfall Lane ahead of its target opening date of Aug. 18.

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The city says this marks a substantial milestone toward the completion of the McWright’s Ferry Road Extension project, which is funded through the Tuscaloosa County Road Improvement Commission (TCRIC), and managed by the City of Tuscaloosa.

“The McWright’s Ferry Road Extension Project is a $60 million dollar investment that will be transformational for the future of Tuscaloosa,” Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox. “I’m so proud that it remains on schedule and on budget as we near completion. With this new section open ahead of schedule, we anticipate an immediate improvement in traffic flow and emergency response access. I want to sincerely thank our residents for their patience and support throughout this transformative endeavor.”

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Construction first began in early 2023 and the full completion of the project is still set for the end of August.

This extension links Rice Mine Road to New Watermelon Road over North River, with city officials saying the project is expected to reduce commute times, while creating additional access for first responders in the event of an emergency.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony is expected to be held in September, exact date to be determined. Please stay tuned for details.

“The opening of the new McWright’s Ferry Road marks a major milestone for our community,” District 3 Councilor Norman Crow said. “Thank you to the City’s team, TCRIC, and all of the contractors and subcontractors whose hard work and coordination have kept this vital project moving forward with minimal disruption. This extension has been long-awaited and is a major step forward for Tuscaloosa.”

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