Lipscomb Announces September Bid Letting for Southside Bridge Replacement

SOUTHSIDE– State Rep. Craig Lipscomb says the long-awaited replacement of the northbound Highway 77 bridge over the Coosa River is moving forward.

According to Lipscomb, bids for demolition of the existing bridge and construction of its replacement are scheduled to be let in September. The project would replace the crossing commonly known as the Southside Bridge or “Little Bridge.”

The Alabama Department of Transportation previously proposed replacing the narrow structure with a modern two-lane bridge. Plans called for 12-foot travel lanes and shoulders measuring at least 6 feet.

The Little Bridge opened to traffic in 1939 and originally carried traffic in both directions between Southside and Rainbow City. It later became a one-lane northbound crossing after construction of the larger southbound bridge.

Together, the two bridges carry approximately 25,000 vehicles each day.

Safety and Traffic Concerns

Lipscomb said the existing bridge and its approaches have not adequately served the area’s transportation needs for decades. In particular, he pointed to traffic and safety concerns near the approaches on both sides of the river.

He said crashes have become too common in the area. Meanwhile, the one-lane northbound bridge creates a bottleneck between Southside, Rainbow City, and surrounding communities.

Traffic problems become especially noticeable when vehicles from schools, businesses, neighborhoods, and industries converge along the Highway 77 corridor, Lipscomb said.

The representative recalled making the bridge replacement one of his few specific project commitments after his election to the Alabama House in 2018. However, he said the project proved extraordinarily complicated after local officials had already pursued a replacement for nearly 30 years.

Lipscomb credited cooperation among local and state leaders with moving the project forward. He specifically recognized the cities of Southside and Rainbow City, Etowah County, and Gov. Kay Ivey for supporting the effort.

Bridge Expected to Support Future Growth

Although the existing bridge holds historic and aesthetic value for the community, Lipscomb said safety and functionality must take priority. He acknowledged that the final design does not include everything he originally wanted because of topography, logistics, and budget constraints.

Still, Lipscomb said the replacement should provide a safer and more efficient crossing for thousands of residents. He expects the project to improve access to schools and businesses while supporting continued economic development.

The September bid letting marks an important milestone for the project, according to Lipscomb. For him, it also represents progress toward fulfilling the commitment he made when he first sought office in 2018.

The release did not provide an anticipated construction start date, completion date, or estimated contract amount.