The City of Tuscaloosa organized the annual employee excellence awards, held a ribbon cutting ceremony for McWright’s Ferry Road, a bridge dedication ceremony for Mr. and Mrs. Leroy McAbee Sr. Bridge and a litter clean up day.
Over 80 employees recognized at the fourth annual employee excellence awards
The City of Tuscaloosa organized the fourth annual employee excellence awards at the Tuscaloosa River Market on Friday.
“Each year, it is my honor to celebrate our city employees who go above and beyond every day to make Tuscaloosa what it is,” Mayor Walt Maddox said. “Their unwavering commitment to serve truly makes a difference in our community.”
The city honored over 80 employees in multiple categories: 25, 30 and 35 years of service; Cheers for Peers; Excellence Awards; Mayor’s Excellence Awards; and Emerging Leaders.
The city held a ribbon cutting and a bridge dedication ceremony
A ribbon cutting ceremony was held for the new McWright’s Ferry Road Friday at 9 a.m. The new extension connects Rice Mine Road to New Watermelon Road by bridging North River and connecting to McWright’s Ferry Road.
“Today marks a monumental day for Tuscaloosa,” 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 $60 million project, funded through the Tuscaloosa County Road Improvement Commission and managed by the City of Tuscaloosa, began construction in early 2023 and was finished in Aug. 2025. The project also includes a new pedestrian bridge over North River and a shared-use path.
Following the ribbon cutting, a bridge dedication ceremony was held for the new bridge to honor Ruth and Leroy McAbee, founders of McAbee Construction. The bridge will now be known as Mr. and Mrs. Leroy McAbee Sr. Bridge.
“Ruth and Leroy McAbee have been transformative in the growth of Tuscaloosa,” Councilor Norman Crow said. “It is an honor to see their legacy showcased in such a meaningful way.”
Litter clean up day
The Alabama Interfraternity Council and District 4 Councilor Lee Busby hosted a District Four litter cleanup day on Sunday from 10:30-11:45 a.m.
The cleaning began at the Paker-Haun Park located at 180 Greensboro Ave. and extended to areas surrounding the Strip, downtown Tuscaloosa and Bryant-Denny Stadium.
