McFarland road work begins: Here’s what to expect

By WVUA 23 News Reporter A’Leeyah Ponder

The Alabama Department of Public Transportation this week began the first phase of its $33.9 million road work project on 2.77 miles of McFarland Boulevard in Tuscaloosa and Northport just across the Black Warrior River.

The project’s goal is improving traffic flow and reducing congestion along McFarland Boulevard/U.S. Highway 82 from Rice Mine Road to Lurleen Wallace Boulevard/Alabama Highway 69. In addition, ALDOT is constructing a path for cyclists and pedestrians along the route.

The first bit of work is being done in the Hunter Creek Road area, near Northport Medical Center.

ALDOT is keeping at least two lanes open in each direction on weekdays between 6 a.m. and 7 p.m., but that doesn’t mean drivers are getting where they need to be as quick as they’re used to.

“I definitely have to leave for work earlier than I used to just because it’s so much traffic,” said Payton Tucker. “But you have to make it work.”

Other drivers are finding workarounds.

“I don’t even want to get out past 5 o’clock,” said Rachael Langley. “I’m trying to get all my running around done early because this is horrible.”

The timing isn’t the best, said Jimmy Adams.

“I’m sure that back when this project was conceived, and the bid was set it was a good time to do it,” he said. “But right now we’ve got a problem. “It’s the holidays and this is the most heavily traveled avenue we have in Tuscaloosa.”

Construction is estimated to be completed sometime in summer 2024.