New train overpass opens near University of Alabama campus

The Second Avenue train overpass connecting 15th Street with Paul W. Bryant Drive near the University of Alabama campus is now open.

On Tuesday, UA officials held a photo opportunity for local media to showcase the new overpass, which was scheduled to open to the public at 5:30 a.m. Wednesday.

The overpass features a 10-foot-wide bike/walking path, 4-foot-wide protective space with a concrete barrier and plenty of lighting. 

According to UA, more than 70,000 vehicles cross the train tracks running along the south edge of campus every day. UA officials say the new three-lane overpass will help traffic flow to and from campus, as well as improve emergency response times by providing an alternate access route to nearby DCH Regional Medical Center, the city's largest hospital.

In addition to serving as a visual gateway to the UA campus, the overpass is also expected to ease the flow of traffic during baseball, basketball, football, gymnastics and other UA sporting events, along with events at the newly renovated Moody Music Building. 

Work on the overpass began in late winter 2020. Tuscaloosa's McGiffert and Associates served as engineers, while Brasfield and Gorrie out of Birmingham oversaw construction.

A $6 million federal grant added to UA's $14.9 million brought the total overpass  project's cost close to $21 million.