The Mobile Airport Authority (MAA) announced that construction of the new terminal at Mobile International Airport (BFM) is currently tracking under budget and on schedule for substantial completion by August 2026.
E. Luckett Robinson, MAA chairman shared the update during the Authority’s monthly board meeting. He noted that after early construction bids last year pushed the estimated project cost beyond $400 million, the Authority conducted a
detailed review to understand the increase and determine a better path forward.
“When last year’s bids exceeded expectations, our team had to take a close look at every aspect of the project,” Robinson said. “We needed to understand what had changed and identify a path that kept the project within its intended budget.”
The Authority rebid the interior build-out package this year, and the new pricing came in significantly lower than last year’s
ALDOT Makes Progress On Bridge, SR-161 Connector
The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) continues to advance construction of the new Intracoastal Waterway Bridge in Baldwin County.
The $52 million project is designed to reduce congestion to Alabama’s beaches and improve safety for residents and visitors. The bridge project is paired with a new connector road to
SR-161, creating a major new route to help traffic move more efficiently to and from the island.
In addition, ALDOT will widen a portion of SR-180 from Beaver Creek to the current toll-free Beach Express Bridge. All projects remain on schedule for completion by summer 2026.
numbers. Combined with other design refinements, the project is now tracking approximately $19 million under the approved $381 million budget, with a current estimated cost of about $362 million. The scope and function of the terminal remain unchanged.
Andy Wilson, MAA executive director, said the review process was an important step in keeping the project on course. see AIRPORT page 6
Mobile Regional Airport photo
Nation’s Best Read Construction Newspaper… Founded in 1957.”
Work Begins On Southeast Health’s $81M ED Expansion
Southeast Health in Dothan, Ala., officially broke ground in mid-November 2025 on its $81 million Emergency Department (ED) and Patient Tower expansion, representing the medical center’s largest single construction investment since the hospital was established in 1957.
The Houston County Health Care Authority (HCHCA) approved the expansion as part of the ongoing strategic growth plan for the hospital. The project also received unanimous approval from the Alabama Certificate of Need Review Board in October.
“As emergency room visits continue to increase nationally, we currently treat approximately 60,000 patients annually, and that number is expected to continue growing,” said Dr. Foy G. Mann III, medical director of the medical center’s emergency department. “This expansion allows us to keep pace with the increasing demand for emergency services. When every second counts, space and efficiency matter.”
In a news release, Southeast Health noted, “Dr. Mann knows his skilled team is grounded in a shared mission to respond no matter the circumstance or unpredictability of emergency medicine with compassion, urgency and skill.”
“This project will also generate a positive economic impact to the region by creating opportunities for local subcontractors, suppliers and vendors,” said Southeast Medical CEO Rick Sutton. “As Houston County’s largest employer, with more than 3,400 dedicated team members, Southeast Health will continue to drive job growth with the addition of clinical and support staff.”
The multi-phase expansion, which is expected to be completed in late 2027 or early 2028, will add 22,693 sq. ft. to
Health photo
Southeast Health in Dothan, Ala., officially broke ground in mid-November 2025 on its $81 million Emergency Department (ED) and Patient Tower expansion.
the ED, doubling its size to 38,000 sq. ft. As part of that work, renovations to existing space totaling 23,990 sq. ft. also are planned.
In addition, the construction project will build two new patient floors above the ED, encompassing 40,814 sq. ft., and create space for more 52 inpatient beds, bringing the hospital’s total capacity to 455 beds.
Other upgrades enhancing care and the overall patient
experience at Southeast Health include:
• an additional CT scanner, located in the ED to improve patient flow and diagnostic efficiency;
• a dedicated and safe environment for the medical center’s Behavioral Medicine patients to better meet their unique needs;
• moving the Southeast Health Medicine Shop to a convenient storefront location for easier access; and
• reimagined waiting and seating areas designed to promote comfort, natural light and a more positive experience for patients and families.
Birmingham-based Robins & Morton is the general contractor for the expansion project. Its architect is Goodwyn Mills Cawood of Montgomery.
“We are excited to begin work on this project that will expand healthcare services for the tri-state area,” said Ashley Dyer, the operations manager of Robins & Morton. “We are grateful to Southeast Health for the opportunity to build an exceptional addition that will leave a lasting, positive impact.”
The Southeast Health Foundation also announced at the groundbreaking that former Dothan Mayor Mike Schmitz, a passionate advocate of Southeast Health, has been named as chair of the hospital expansion’s capital campaign.
“This is an exciting day for Southeast Health and the communities we serve as we expand our ability to care, to comfort and to heal,” Dr. Mann said.
Southeast Health Medical Center has the region’s only Level II Trauma Center and Chest Pain Center and is just one of four Comprehensive Stroke Centers in the state.
Intracoastal Waterway Bridge, SR-161 Connector Work Progresses
Waterway Bridge Progress
The bridge decks were completed in December 2025, marking one of the final steps in the new bridge construction.
When finished, the new bridge and the existing Beach Express Bridge will each provide two lanes of traffic, doubling capacity for Beach Express users. These improve-
ments will double the number of travel lanes across the Intracoastal Waterway along the Baldwin County coast, meaning more capacity and less delay.
Status
• Bridge substructure: 100 percent complete
• Steel girders: 100 percent complete
• Superstructure work: 95 percent complete
• Roadway work: 90 percent complete
Subcontractors are scheduled to install the protective concrete barrier wall on the bridge, while another crew prepares to apply the final coat of paint to the steel girders, which will complete the remaining superstructure tasks. Crews also are preparing to begin final paving on the south side of the bridge along SR-180 (Canal Road) and will shift traffic into its final configuration.
SR-161 Connector
Work continues on the SR-161 connector project. The right-of-way has been cleared from CR-4 to the first low-level bridge site. Utility relocation and roadway construction are ongoing.
Beaver Creek to the Beach Express Bridge is scheduled for bid in summer 2026, with construction expected to begin after Labor Day. Holmes Bridge (Hwy 59): Following completion of the new pedestrian bridge and Highway 59 widening, the city of Gulf Shores will add a third southbound lane, creating six total lanes to further improve traffic flow.
Safety, Economic Benefits
Once complete, these combined projects will:
• reduce congestion on State Highway 59, State Highway 161 and State Route 180;
• improve access for emergency responders;
• enhance hurricane evacuation capacity; and
• support continued economic growth in coastal Alabama.
For more information, visit dot.state.al.us.
Southeast
ALDOT from page 1
used CA Stop offf f at ou find somethi AT T eq ng bet
20 US-80, Montgomery
Y ur Used Equipment Yaard (located at 101 y, , AL 36117) and ttter than a souvenir to take home. Choose from the largest selection of uipment in one place, make your pick, then keep on going to the beach.
MAA Targets Fall 2026 Opening for New Airport Terminal
AIRPORT from page 1
“Our priority has always been to deliver a safe, efficient facility built in a responsible and cost-effective way,” Wilson said. “The cost savings reflect the careful review and coordination that went into this process. The Authority is shifting its focus to the delivery of a modern and operationally efficient passenger terminal. These improvements will provide an enhanced level of customer service and elevated travel experience for visitors and citizens of Mobile and Baldwin Counties.”
Construction continues to advance across
the site, including recent access to the elevated road which supports an acceleration of construction activity. An additional 100 workers are expected on site as interior construction activity increases.
The Authority plans to open the terminal in fall 2026, with commercial flights expected by November. Delta Air Lines, United Airlines and American Airlines have announced their intent to commence service from Mobile Regional Airport (MOB) to Mobile International Airport (BFM) once operations begin.
After early construction bids last year pushed the estimated project cost beyond $400 million, the Authority conducted a detailed review to understand the increase and determine a better path forward.
Mobile Regional Airport photo
Construction continues to advance across the site, including recent access to the elevated road which supports an acceleration of construction activity.
Mobile Regional Airport photo
The Authority plans to open the terminal in fall 2026, with commercial flights expected by November.
