Governor Ivey Announces Award of Contract to Replace Gilbert’s Ferry SR-77 Bridge in Etowah County

MONTGOMERY - Governor Kay Ivey on Monday announced the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) has awarded a contract to replace the Gilbert's Ferry Bridge on SR-77 over the Coosa River in Etowah County.

"For almost 90 years, the Gilbert's Ferry Bridge has carried increasing traffic volume across the Coosa River between Southside and Rainbow City," said Governor Ivey. "Even after the addition of the larger southbound bridge, congestion remains a problem for northbound traffic on the older bridge. The construction of a new two-lane bridge for northbound traffic is good news for the 25,000 travelers who cross the Coosa River on SR-77 each day."

ALDOT received four bids to replace the SR-77 bridge. Governor Ivey approved the $22,065,595 contract for Scott Bridge Company of Opelika, Alabama, the lowest bidder, on November 3, 2026.

ALDOT has worked closely with state and local elected officials in Etowah County to bring about a project to meaningfully improve traffic flow on SR-77 with a new northbound bridge over the Coosa River.

"A new northbound Southside bridge has been a regional need for a long time," said Sen. Andrew Jones. "This critical infrastructure project will alleviate traffic congestion for hardworking men and women and also makes the drive to school easier for parents and students in Southside and Rainbow City. I would like to thank Governor Kay Ivey for her leadership and vision for the Rebuild Alabama program, without which this project would not be possible."

"Eight years ago, I promised to find a way to replace the aging SR-77 'Southside' bridge, which had become a safety concern and a major obstacle to traffic and economic growth," said Rep. Craig Lipscomb. "I never wavered in that commitment, and I'm proud to have worked alongside Governor Kay Ivey to make this long-overdue project a reality. I'm deeply grateful for her leadership and partnership in delivering on this promise and investing in a safer, stronger future for our community."

The project will remove the 87-year-old northbound bridge and replace it with a modern two-lane bridge. The bridge will carry two 12-foot travel lanes with 6-foot shoulders on both sides. In addition to being 36 feet wide, the bridge will be 910 feet long and will rise to about 30 feet over the Coosa River. The existing bridge is 20 feet wide, 868 feet long and stands about 10 feet above the river.

ALDOT anticipates the project beginning in early 2027 and achieving completion by the end of 2029.

Motorists should expect changing traffic patterns throughout construction.

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