Paul Bryant Bridge

The Paul Bryant Bridge is a road bridge spanning the Black Warrior River in Tuscaloosa with four traffic lanes serving regional traffic. It forms a key part of Alabama State Route 297 and provides an important connection across the river.

Construction began in March 2000 under the R.R. Dawson Bridge Company and finished in 2004. The project represented a significant infrastructure improvement for the region during the early 2000s.

The bridge bears the name of Paul Bryant, the legendary football coach at the University of Alabama, reflecting the deep connection between the city and college sports. This naming choice shows how local heroes shape the identity of places in the region.

The crossing can become congested during peak hours, so knowing alternative routes is helpful. Pedestrians and cyclists should be aware that the bridge is primarily designed for motor traffic and may lack dedicated paths.

The construction process faced significant challenges and resulted in fatalities during the work, highlighting the human cost of large infrastructure projects. This darker chapter of its history is often overlooked by those who use the bridge today.

Location: Alabama

Inception: April 23, 2004

Official opening: April 23, 2004

GPS coordinates: 33.24150,-87.50540

Latest update: December 13, 2025 17:04