City News

The City of Tuscaloosa held a ribbon cutting ceremony for the new McWright's Ferry Road on Friday, September 19 at 9 a.m.

Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox, Judge Rob Robertson, Representative Bill Lamb, Representative Chris England, Mr. Joe Robinson and Judge Hardy McCollum spoke during the ceremony.

"Today marks a monumental day for Tuscaloosa," Mayor Walt Maddox said. "The opening of the new McWright's Ferry Road will be truly transformational for the future of our city for generations to come." 

The new extension connects Rice Mine Road to New Watermelon Road by bridging North River and connecting to McWright's Ferry Road. 

"I'm so happy to get to be a small part of this today," Judge Rob Robertson said. "The City of Tuscaloosa and all the components that have worked around this have done an outstanding job."

The McWright's Ferry Road Extension project was funded through the Tuscaloosa County Road Improvement Commission (TCRIC), and managed by the City of Tuscaloosa.

"This is a significant, generational event," Representative Bill Lamb said. "This will be something that will enhance the life of Tuscaloosa for years to come." 

Construction for this project began in early 2023 and finished in August of 2025. The project was a $60 million dollar investment which stayed within budget and on schedule. 

"This project would not have been done without the Tuscaloosa County Road Improvement Commission," Mr. Joe Robinson said. "It's a beautiful job." 

The McAbee family was also recognized during the ribbon cutting ceremony which was followed by a bridge dedication ceremony in their honor.

"Thank you to the McAbee family. There is no person and family more fitting to dedicate this to than someone who's served Tuscaloosa County in the amount of ways that your family has," Representative Chris England said. 

Additionally, the project also includes a new pedestrian bridge over North River and a shared-use path. 

"Leroy, thank you for being a friend and thank you for all you've done for this community," Judge Hardy McCollum said.

Following the ribbon cutting, a bridge dedication ceremony was held for the new bridge over North River to honor Ruth and Leroy McAbee. The bridge will now be known as Mr. and Mrs. Leroy McAbee Sr. Bridge. 

 Councilor Norman Crow and Commissioner Stan Acker spoke during the ceremony.

"Ruth and Leroy McAbee have been transformative in the growth of Tuscaloosa," said Councilor Norman Crow. "It is an honor to see their legacy showcased in such a meaningful way."

Leroy McAbee Sr. founded McAbee Construction in Tuscaloosa and has since become one of the Southeast's largest heavy industrial contractors. 

"Mr. McAbee has been an inspiration to me," Commissioner Stan Acker said. "His dedication to this community is one that will be recognized for decades to come. 

The McAbees have supported local groups and nonprofits including United Way and the DCH Foundation.

Councilor Crow, Commissioner Stan Acker and Northport Mayor John Hinton all presented proclamations recognizing Mr. and Mrs. McAbee.