Mayor reports I‑59 widening bid of about $70 million; work expected this fall

The mayor reported that the city’s portion of the I‑59 widening project has a bid award and an anticipated start window this fall.

In the administration report the mayor said "the bid was accepted from Al do on the i59 widening project Wire Grass got that contract around $70 million for that project they hope to m in October and start by November," indicating a contractor (named in the transcript as "Al do") received a bid for roughly $70 million and that construction could begin in October with phased work on southbound then northbound lanes. The mayor described an eight‑month sequence on each direction in the transcript.

Why it matters: A roughly $70 million widening of I‑59 will affect regional traffic, construction schedules and local access where the interstate intersects municipal roads. The council discussed the project in the mayor’s administration report but did not vote on a municipal funding appropriation during the public portion of the meeting.

What remains unclear: The transcript identifies a contractor name that is unclear in the record (rendered as "Al do"), and the mayor’s remarks provided an estimated dollar figure and a timeline but did not list a contract number, financing breakdown or start date. The record does not show a formal vote or contract award language on the council floor; the mayor reported the bid acceptance as administrative information.

Next steps: The mayor and staff are expected to proceed with procurement milestones and construction scheduling; residents should watch council and departmental notices for formal contract documents and traffic‑control plans.