Chamber Hosts 2026 Transportation Summit, Highlighting Regional Infrastructure Projects
October 21, 2026
The Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama hosted the 2026 Transportation Summit, presented by Thompson Engineering, on Tuesday, October 20, at the Tuscaloosa River Market.
The event brought together business, community and government leaders to discuss ongoing transportation projects, infrastructure improvements and future investments shaping West Alabama.
Northport Mayor Dale Phillips provided updates on several projects, including the Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard reconstruction, Main Avenue revitalization and downtown streetscape improvements.
City of Tuscaloosa Engineer Michael Gardiner highlighted major infrastructure investments, including the Greensboro Avenue Streetscape project, Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Jack Warner Parkway improvements, the Tuscaloosa National Airport runway extension and future expansions of the Tuscaloosa Riverwalk.
Tracy Criss of Tuscaloosa County discussed countywide transportation improvements, including 67 miles of roadway resurfacing and the proposed Highway 69 to U.S. Highway 82 Connector Road.
Kelly Johns of the Tuscaloosa County Road Improvement Commission (TCRIC) shared updates on the commission's ongoing transportation projects and regional priorities.
John McWilliams of the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) presented plans for the $167 million Woolsey Finnell Bridge replacement project, emphasizing that the bridge will remain open throughout construction, maintaining two lanes of traffic in each direction.
The summit highlighted the collaboration among local and state agencies to improve transportation infrastructure, strengthen regional connectivity and support continued economic growth across West Alabama.