Alabama 17 August 19, 2026

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Vermeer Southeast Expands Into North Alabama With New Huntsville Facility

Judson Scott/Scott Bridge Company photo

Construction began in December 2025, with work expected to be completed by mid-2028.

Ever mindful of changing weather patterns, crews in Mobile continue working on a $79 million project that replaces the aging westbound span of the Tensaw River Bridge on the U.S. Highway 90 Causeway. According to the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT), the new span will be constructed to the south of the current eastbound bridge, helping to minimize traffic during construction.

“This bridge is a vital transportation link,” ALDOT southwest region engineer Matthew Ericksen told Construction Equipment Guide. “Replacing it now ensures it continues serving the region safely, and efficiently, for decades to come.”

A key route on the U.S. 90 Causeway, the Tensaw River Bridge serves thousands of daily commuters, travelers and commercial vehicles. Because the existing westbound bridge has reached the end of its service life, building a new structure guarantees the corridor remains a critical connection.

When asked by Construction Equipment Guide about the need for construction at this time, ALDOT communications and public relations coordinator James Gordon explained, “This project strengthens one of southwest Alabama’s most important transportation corridors, supporting commerce, tourism and the long-term economic growth of the Mobile area.”

Cindy Riley Vermeer Southeast photo

Located at 25164 One Aviation Way SW, Madison, AL 35756, the new facility officially opened on Aug. 3, 2026.

Vermeer Southeast announced the grand opening of its new Huntsville location, a 22,000-sq.-ft. facility designed to better serve customers across Huntsville and North Alabama with industry-leading parts, service, and support.

Located at 25164 One Aviation Way SW, Madison, AL 35756, the new facility officially opened on Aug. 3, 2026, and represents Vermeer Southeast’s continued investment in providing exceptional service, expertise and responsiveness to contractors, utility companies, tree care professionals, and industrial customers throughout the region.

The new location establishes a dedicated Vermeer Southeast presence in North Alabama, giving customers faster access to equipment solutions, parts inventory, factory-trained technicians, and comprehensive service capabilities. see HUNTSVILLE page 11

CEG CORRESPONDENT

The replacement bridge, featuring a durable concrete structure designed to withstand the elements and improve structural integrity, is being built to modern standards. The upgrade includes a dedicated pedestrian and bicycle path, providing safe routes for everyone traveling near Battleship Memorial Park.

Environmental protection has been a priority throughout construction. The project includes measures to protect endangered species, aquatic habitats and submerged aquatic vegetation through specialized construction practices, employee training and environmental monitoring.

General contractor Scott Bridge Co. Inc. of Opelika, Ala., is working with federal agencies, including the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Federal Highway Administration. According to ALDOT, this ensures the project meets environmental regulations and maintains safe waterway access for boats traveling under the bridge during construction.

The new structure is designed to current engineering standards with improved structural components, increased durability and accommodations for pedestrians and cyclists.

The bridge incorporates modern materials, deep foundations and structural designs intended to better resist coastal weather, corrosion and the demands of daily traffic. see TENSAW page 8

Page 2 • August 19, 2026 • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • Alabama State Supplement • Construction Equipment Guide

Gulf Shores Airport Breaks Ground On $15M Expansion Construction is under way on a $15 million expansion of the terminal at Gulf Shores International Airport, a project designed to accommodate rapidly increasing passenger traffic while maintaining the airport’s smallcommunity atmosphere.

Airport officials, city leaders and project partners recently celebrated the groundbreaking for the expansion, which is expected to be completed before the start of the busy summer 2027 travel season.

According to the city of Gulf Shores, TripTek Construction LLC was awarded the construction contract and is targeting a May 2027 opening for the expanded concourse.

The expansion comes after Gulf Shores International experienced record passenger volumes following the launch of scheduled commercial airline service in 2025.

According to the city of Gulf Shores, the airport handled more than 34,000 passengers in June 2026, its busiest month since commercial flights began. Airport officials also reported an average 78 percent load factor across 13 nonstop destinations during the month, demonstrating continued demand

for leisure travel to Alabama’s Gulf Coast.

“We have been in lockstep with Allegiant throughout this process,” Jesse Fosnaugh, airport director said, according to the city of Gulf Shores. “Measured growth allows for greater route scheduling opportunities, increased space for our passengers and more supporting infrastructure. Even though we are growing, we will keep the airport experience quick, easy, inexpensive and cheerful. The small-community feel of the airport is still paramount to our mission.”

The project represents another milestone in the airport’s rapid evolution from a general aviation facility into one of the Southeast’s newest commercial airports.

Expansion Adds Passenger Amenities According to the city of Gulf Shores, the terminal expansion will include: • additional gate and passenger waiting areas • expanded baggage claim facilities • more dining and retail space • an outdoor passenger patio

• a dedicated mothers’ nursing room • expanded curb frontage and supporting infrastructure to improve passenger circulation • capacity for two simultaneous aircraft operations Construction also will affect the terminal area and adjacent parking facilities during the buildout.

“We understand that growth doesn’t happen without some operational challenges, especially while you are required to run your airport at the same time as construction and renovation is occurring,” Fosnaugh said, according to the city of Gulf Shores. “We appreciate the public’s patience as we go through this growth and construction with the end goal of serving them better.”

Federal Funding Supports Project The expansion received assistance through the Federal Aviation Administration’s Airport Terminal Program.

According to the city of Gulf Shores, the airport secured a $2 million FAA Airport Terminal Program grant made available

Construction is under way on a $15 million expansion of the terminal at Gulf Shores International Airport.

Populous Fentress Studios rendering

City of Gulf Shores photo

through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to help fund the project.

The airport has steadily invested in infrastructure as passenger demand has exceeded initial expectations. Earlier in 2026, Gulf Shores also received more than $2.1 million through Alabama’s Growing Alabama Tax Credit Program to prepare airport property for future aviation-related industrial development, including aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul facilities. According to the city of Gulf Shores, that project will prepare 10 acres for future aerospace investment and job creation.

Commercial Service Drives Growth Commercial air service has transformed travel to Alabama’s beaches.

According to the city of Gulf Shores, Allegiant currently serves 13 nonstop destinations from Gulf Shores International, and passenger surveys indicate nearly half of travelers using the airport had never previously visited Alabama’s Gulf Coast. Approximately 80 percent of surveyed passengers said they expect to return more frequently because nonstop service is available.

The airport’s continued success has reinforced local officials’ decision to invest in expanded terminal capacity before passenger demand begins to strain existing facilities.

Airport officials have emphasized that while the airport is growing, maintaining fast processing times and a convenient passenger experience remains a priority.

The terminal expansion is expected to position Gulf Shores International for continued airline growth while supporting the region’s tourism economy and accommodating increasing numbers of visitors traveling to Alabama’s Gulf Coast.

According to the city of Gulf Shores, the expanded terminal is scheduled to open before the May 2027 summer travel season.  CEG

The airport’s continued success has reinforced local City of Gulf Shores photo Populous Fentress Studios rendering officials’ decision to invest in expanded terminal capacity before passenger demand begins to strain The expansion received assistance through the Federal According to the city of Gulf Shores, the airport Aviation Administration’s Airport Terminal Program. handled more than 34,000 passengers in June 2026. existing facilities.

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Sports Illustrated Resort Breaks Ground in Tuscaloosa Construction has officially begun on the $150 million Sports Illustrated Resort in Tuscaloosa, launching one of Alabama’s most anticipated hospitality developments and a project expected to reshape a prominent stretch of the city’s Black Warrior River waterfront.

Developers, city officials and project partners gathered May 27 for a ceremonial groundbreaking at the Rice Mine Road site, marking the start of vertical construction on the mixed-use resort. According to Travel + Leisure Co., the development is expected to open before the start of the 2028 college football season and will serve as the first purposebuilt collegiate-market resort under the Sports Illustrated Resorts brand.

The project combines hospitality, residential and entertainment uses in a destination designed to capitalize on Tuscaloosa’s status as the home of the University of Alabama while attracting visitors throughout the year.

For the construction industry, the groundbreaking signals the beginning of a multi-year build that will employ hundreds of skilled workers and involve significant structural, civil and utility work on a highly visible riverfront parcel.

Birmingham-based Doster Construction is serving as the project’s general contractor. The company joined representatives of Travel + Leisure Co., Sports Hospitality Ventures, Authentic Brands Group and city officials for the groundbreaking ceremony.

According to Doster Construction, the contractor spent months working with the ownership team during the preconstruction phase to prepare the site and coordinate construction planning before breaking ground.

Twin Towers Will Anchor Development Plans call for two six-story buildings connected by a central lobby overlooking the Black Warrior River.

According to Travel + Leisure Co., one tower will contain 75 whole-ownership luxury condominiums while the second will feature 86 vacation ownership units. The development also will include retail shops, multiple food and beverage venues, indoor and outdoor bars, a game lounge, coffee bar and rooftop event space.

Additional amenities will include a resort-style swimming pool, fitness center, owners lounge with stadium-style seating for watching sporting events and a dedicated broadcast studio designed for live programming and special events.

Officials say the development is intended to function as more than a football weekend destination by providing attractions and accommodations that appeal to vacationers, business travelers and local residents throughout the year.

The architecture is designed to maximize river views while creating pedestrian connections between the resort, surrounding commercial areas and Tuscaloosa’s expanding waterfront.

Construction Workforce to Grow Construction activity is expected to accelerate significantly once structural work begins.

“As we go vertical with the buildings, we’ll have upwards of around 200 people that’ll be working on the development of this project,” Geoff Richards, chief operating officer of Travel + Leisure Co., said during the groundbreaking ceremony.

According to WBRC-TV, construction is expected to continue through approximately 2028.

While developers have not released a detailed construction schedule, the project will require extensive site grading,

According to WBRC-TV, Maddox said the development will generate new tax revenue while helping attract visitors throughout the year instead of relying primarily on University of Alabama football weekends.

Developers also expect the resort to increase demand for nearby restaurants, retail businesses and entertainment venues while complementing existing attractions along the Black Warrior River.

National Brand Expands Into Collegiate Market The Tuscaloosa project represents a significant expansion for the Sports Illustrated Resorts brand.

The resort is being developed through a partnership involving Travel + Leisure Co., Sports Hospitality Ventures LJC Design & Engineering rendering and Authentic Brands Group, which owns the Sports Construction has officially begun on the $150 million Illustrated brand.

According to Travel + Leisure Co., the Tuscaloosa Sports Illustrated Resort in Tuscaloosa. development is the company’s first newly constructed underground utility installation, foundations, structural collegiate-market destination operating under the Sports framing, mechanical and electrical systems and extensive Illustrated Resorts name. Unlike traditional hotels, the resort interior finishes typical of high-end hospitality developments. combines vacation ownership accommodations with luxury The development also will include parking facilities, residences and entertainment amenities centered around the landscaping, hardscape improvements and public gathering culture of sports.

The concept is intended to provide immersive experiences spaces integrated into the riverfront site. for fans while also functioning as a full-service resort destination regardless of the sports calendar.

Years of Planning Led to Groundbreaking The groundbreaking concludes several years of planning, Riverfront Construction Begins public review and design refinement.

Heavy equipment has begun mobilizing on the site as Travel + Leisure first announced plans for a Sports Illustrated-branded resort in Tuscaloosa in 2023. Initial crews prepare for the next phase of construction.

Over the coming months, the project will transition from concepts generated considerable public discussion because of the project’s scale and its prominent location overlooking earthmoving and infrastructure installation to foundation work and eventually vertical construction of the twin sixthe Black Warrior River.

According to Business Alabama, developers revised story structures.

Once complete, the Sports Illustrated Resort will become portions of the project as city officials, planners and nearby residents reviewed issues including building height, traffic one of the most recognizable additions to Tuscaloosa’s circulation, parking and compatibility with neighboring skyline and one of the largest hospitality developments built in west Alabama in recent years. properties.

For contractors, equipment suppliers and subcontractors, The Tuscaloosa City Council ultimately approved the development after multiple rounds of review, allowing the project represents a major multi-year construction effort developers to move forward with final engineering, that will remain active through 2028 as crews transform a vacant riverfront parcel into a destination designed to serve permitting and construction.

City officials have described the project as another key residents and visitors for decades to come.  CEG investment in Tuscaloosa’s growing riverfront district, where public and private development has steadily expanded recreational, commercial and residential opportunities during the past decade.

Major Economic Investment Officials believe the resort will generate economic benefits well beyond construction.

According to Travel + Leisure Co., the development is expected to create hundreds of temporary construction jobs while supporting long-term employment in hospitality, food service, retail and resort operations after opening.

Mayor Walt Maddox said the investment represents another step LJC Design & Engineering rendering in diversifying Tuscaloosa’s tourism According to WBRC-TV, construction is expected to continue through economy. approximately 2028.

Construction Equipment Guide • Alabama State Supplement • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • August 19, 2026 • Page 5

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Page 6 • August 19, 2026 • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • Alabama State Supplement • Construction Equipment Guide

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Construction Equipment Guide • Alabama State Supplement • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • August 19, 2026 • Page 7

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Page 8 • August 19, 2026 • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • Alabama State Supplement • Construction Equipment Guide

Mobile’s $79M Tensaw River Bridge Project Under Way

ALDOT photo

Judson Scott/Scott Bridge Company photo

The bridge incorporates modern materials, deep foundations and structural designs intended to better resist coastal weather, corrosion and the demands of daily traffic.

According to the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT), the new span will be constructed to the south of the current eastbound bridge, helping to minimize traffic during construction.

TENSAW from page 1

The existing westbound bridge remains open throughout construction, allowing motorists to continue their travels with little disruption while the new bridge is built alongside it. Limited vehicle lane closures will occur during non-peak hours, ensuring minimal disruption for daily commuters.

Motorists have reportedly been supportive of the project and appreciate that traffic is being maintained during construction.

The project also will boost economic development, supporting tourism, freight movement and local businesses.

It will also improve access to Battleship Memorial Park, state parks, seafood restaurants, Austal USA and downtown Mobile.

Construction is progressing, but crews must stay focused at all times. Samuel Fountain, ALDOT southwest region area construction engineer, told Construction Equipment Guide, “Working over water presents unique challenges, including marine logistics, changing weather conditions, environmental regulations and specialized foundation construction.”

Currently, workers are building the bridge substructure and approach embankments, installing girders and progressing with seawall and approach work. All bridge footings have already been completed; wick drains have been installed to stabilize the foundation soils; and utility relocation work has ALDOT photo The new structure is designed to current engineering standards with improved structural components, inprogressed successfully. see TENSAW page 11

creased durability and accommodations for pedestrians and cyclists.

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Next Issue Closes

September 2nd

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Bridge Footings Complete, Girder Installation Progresses TENSAW from page 8

ALDOT photo

Crews in Mobile continue working on a $79 million project that replaces the aging westbound span of the Tensaw River Bridge on the U.S. Highway 90 Causeway.

Fountain said numerous steps are required to replace the westbound span.

“Major phases include foundation construction, pile installation, substructure work, girder erection, bridge deck construction, approach work and final paving.

“The foundations required driving 54-inch spun-cast cylindrical concrete piles and constructing all bridge footings. Completing the foundation work is a major milestone. It reflects the tremendous effort of the construction team and keeps the project on track to deliver long-term benefits for the region.”

Approximately 150,000 cu. yds. of fill material have been placed for the bridge approaches. Remaining work includes girder installation, bridge superstructure construction, approach fills, seawall construction, abutments, paving and final bridge finishes.

Construction over a bay requires unique foundation techniques that are not always needed on traditional land-based projects. The project relies heavily on marine equipment, including barges and crawler cranes mounted on

barges. Pile-driving machinery is also necessary to carry out the work, as well as wick-drain installation and utilityboring equipment.

Major materials include 54-in. spuncast concrete piles, structural concrete and reinforcing steel. Structural steel girders and more than 1 million ft. of wick drains are also needed to complete the project.

Fountain noted that crews must pay close attention to the forecast.

“Weather, tides and tropical systems can affect marine operations and scheduling. This requires crews to adjust work activities while maintaining safety and productivity.”

Construction began in December 2025, with work expected to be completed by mid-2028. According to Gordon, the multi-million dollar investment and long hours will pay off in the long run.

“Projects like this have a lasting impact on the communities we serve.

We’re building infrastructure that improves safety, strengthens our transportation network and supports economic growth for generations to come.”  CEG

Vermeer Southeast’s Largest Alabama Service Center Opens HUNTSVILLE from page 1

“This facility represents far more than a new building. It reflects our confidence in the future of North Alabama and our commitment to being long-term partners to our valued customers and communities,” said Scott Coley, president and CEO of Vermeer Southeast. “As our customers continue to grow and take on increasingly complex projects, we are investing in the people, resources, and infrastructure necessary to support their success. Huntsville strengthens our ability to serve the region while continuing to build on the relationships that have defined Vermeer Southeast for nearly six decades.”

The Huntsville facility is home to the largest service

center among Vermeer’s Southeast Alabama locations and was designed with customer success and future growth in mind. The service center features nine service bays and dual overhead cranes, making it the first Vermeer Southeast location to incorporate this configuration. The facility also was engineered to accommodate additional crane capacity in the future, reflecting the company’s long-term investment in North Alabama. The facility was intentionally designed to elevate both the customer and employee experience.

“Huntsville represents more than the opening of another Vermeer Southeast location,” said Keith Spicer, vice president of Lifecycle. “We’ve built a world-class service facility

Vermeer Southeast photo

(L-R): Keith Spicer, vice president of Lifecycle, Vermeer Southeast; David Kintz, chief operating officer, Vermeer Southeast; Richard Bigoney, Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce; Scott Coley, president and CEO, Vermeer Southeast; and Doug Hundt, president of Industrial Solutions, Vermeer Corporation, are joined by team members and guests from Vermeer Southeast and Vermeer Corporation during the ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the grand opening of Vermeer Southeast’s Huntsville location.

and assembled an experienced team because our customers deserve nothing less than exceptional support when their equipment and their business need us most. Our promise is to earn their trust every day, develop the best technicians in the industry, and deliver an ownership experience that sets Vermeer Southeast apart.”

Customers visiting the facility will benefit from several enhancements designed to improve convenience and service efficiency. A covered drive-under portico allows direct access to service advisors regardless of weather conditions, while a centralized write-up area streamlines the service check-in process. With the addition of the Huntsville location, Vermeer Southeast further strengthens its ability to help customers throughout North Alabama and the broader Southeast region with the equipment, expertise, parts availability, and service resources they need to keep projects moving forward.

About Vermeer Southeast Since 1967, Vermeer Southeast has served Florida, Georgia and Alabama with equipment, parts, and service, as well as the right productivity solutions for tree care, landscape, wood waste, recycling, pipeline, utility installation and vacuum excavation.

In 2019, Vermeer Southeast became 100 percent employeeowned through an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP).

While the company’s corporate office is in Orlando, Vermeer Southeast operates stores throughout Florida in Boynton Beach, Clearwater, Ft Myers, Jacksonville, Miami, Orlando and Pensacola; in Georgia at Buford, Marietta and Savannah; and in Alabama at Birmingham and Huntsville. 

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