Mobile County Breaks Ground on Major Kali Oka Road/College Parkway Improvement Project
Posted on: Apr 20th, 2026 | AnnouncementsFeatured NewsPress ReleasesRoad Closures
Photo L-R: Rhonda Gulledge, Mobile County Engineering; Doug Harwell, contractor; Prichard City Councilors Traci Hale and Stephani Norwood; State Representative Napoleon Bracy; Prichard Mayor Carletta Davis; University of Mobile VP Nathan Harris; and County Commissioner Merceria Ludgood
MOBILE COUNTY, Ala. — Mobile County officials held a groundbreaking on Monday, April 20, to mark the start of construction on a major, multi-project road improvement effort along Kali-Oka Road and College Parkway, launching a coordinated initiative that will enhance safety and drivability along one of north Mobile County’s most heavily traveled corridors.
The $5.4 million effort includes the resurfacing and improvement of approximately six miles of roadway through multiple coordinated projects: MCR-2020-006, which spans approximately 3.1 miles from U.S. 45 east to the Saraland city limits, and MCR-2024-010/MCP-011-22/RA49-02-22, which covers approximately 2.9 miles from Shelton Beach Road to the Prichard city limits. Once complete, the effort, combined with previous work by the City of Saraland, will result in a fully resurfaced corridor.
Motorists should expect intermittent lane closures, shifting traffic patterns, and reduced travel speeds throughout the duration of the work. Construction is expected to take approximately 10 months with multiple crews working simultaneously across project segments, though all road construction is weather-dependent.
The improvements are being delivered through a coordinated approach that brings together multiple funding sources, including Mobile County’s 2020 and 2024 Pay-As-You-Go (PAYG) programs, Rebuild Alabama funds, and some American Rescue Plan Act funds.
“This is a significant investment in a corridor that so many residents and families rely on every day,” said District 1 Commissioner Merceria Ludgood. “Projects of this scale don’t happen without strong coordination between our engineering teams, our municipal partners, and our contractor. I commend everyone involved for working together to move this forward.”
Ludgood also asked for patience from the traveling public as construction gets underway this week. “We know road work can be inconvenient, but it’s necessary to deliver safer, smoother roads,” she said. “We’re asking drivers to slow down, stay alert, and give our crews the space they need to do this work safely. The end result will be well worth it.”
Construction by Harwell & Company begins this week.
The project represents a long-term investment in Mobile County’s infrastructure, supporting safer travel, improved roadway conditions, and more efficient movement for residents, commuters, and commercial traffic alike.
