A long-discussed additional crossing of the Tennessee River in Decatur is moving another step forward with $3 million in federal funding for a study examining where and how a new bridge could be built.
U.S. Rep. Dale Strong joined Decatur Mayor Kent Lawrence and Alabama Department of Transportation officials at Rhodes Ferry Park to discuss the funding, which Strong secured through Fiscal Year 2026 Community Project Funding.
The money will pay for a feasibility study examining potential bridge and roadway alignments, traffic and transportation needs, environmental and engineering considerations, right-of-way and community impacts, preliminary costs and federal requirements.
“This project is vital to improving commute times for residents and supporting economic development efforts across the Tennessee Valley, and I was proud to secure this investment,” Strong said. “Improving our local infrastructure improves quality of life and enhances public safety, and I will never apologize for bringing our hard-earned tax dollars back home.”
The $3 million was included in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026, signed into law in February. Strong’s office announced the funding at the time as part of $15 million in Community Project Funding he secured for North Alabama transportation, infrastructure and workforce projects.
For Decatur, the study represents an early but significant step toward addressing a transportation issue that has been on the city’s radar for years.
Decatur’s long-range planning documents have previously identified a new Tennessee River crossing as a regional priority, citing bottlenecks at the U.S. 31/Alabama 20 bridge and the importance of the route to both passenger and freight traffic. A 2019 city planning document specifically called for evaluating a new river crossing in partnership with surrounding counties and identifying preferred locations and design concepts.
Lawrence said beginning the study is crucial for finding a potential solution.
“I am grateful for Congressman Strong’s work to secure this funding for our community. He is a great partner to the City of Decatur, and we appreciate his commitment to fighting for our fair share of transportation dollars,” Lawrence said. “This project is crucial to improving traffic flow across the Tennessee River, and beginning this study is the next step in addressing the city’s long-held priority. Our residents deserve efficient and reliable infrastructure, and my administration will continue to work alongside our state and federal partners to move this project forward.”
The study will evaluate possible routes and other factors necessary to identify a viable option and advance the project through the federal transportation process.
ALDOT is now proceeding through the required consultant selection process. Once that procurement is complete, the department expects to select a consultant and begin the corridor study.
Strong represents Alabama’s 5th Congressional District and serves on the House Appropriations Committee, including its Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Subcommittee.
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