News with impact: Tuscaloosa's growth marked 2022, with more to come in 2023
The Tuscaloosa News covered plenty of stories in 2022, but one trend seemed to have the most impact on our readers: growth.
From the production of the first electric vehicle at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Vance to the debut of the brand-new Julia Tutwiler Hall on the University of Alabama campus, Tuscaloosa continued its path of progress during the year.
And The Tuscaloosa News has been there every step of the way, documenting projects such as these from beginning to end. Our readers have known not just the "where and when" of these developments, we've explained the "why" behind these projects and how the changes will have an impact on their daily lives.
We were there on Sept. 30, 1993, when Mercedes-Benz chose Tuscaloosa County for its first United States production facility. We were there Mercedes-Benz announced a $1 billion investment to begin producing electric vehicles at the Vance plant. And we were there on Aug. 25, 2022, when the first all-electric Mercedes vehicle made in the U.S. rolled off the production line right here in Tuscaloosa.
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Our photos that day documented the "Starship Enterprise" appearance of the Mercedes EQS SUV and our story detailed everything from the role of a Bibb County battery plant in the vehicle's production to how many electric vehicle charging stations there are in Tuscaloosa.
When the old Julia Tutwiler Hall came tumbling down on July 4, 2022, our readers knew everything about the demolition, right down to the use of crimson and white powder in the pyrotechnics. We also gave readers a first look at the new $145 million Julia Tutwiler Hall before classes even began.
Our Tutwiler coverage went deeper, giving readers context on the role the dorm's namesake played in the evolution of women's education in Alabama. And we spoke with dozens of former Tutwiler residents for their "if those old walls could talk" memories of living in the dorm.
From the first turned shovel of dirt to their ribbon cuttings in 2022, our journalists covered the conception, development and openings of the Randall Family Trailhead and River District Park while explaining how these projects along the banks of the Black Warrior River will enhance the quality of life in Tuscaloosa.
And as Tuscaloosa's growth continues in 2023, so will our commitment to informing readers about even more projects, including these:
The Saban Center, a state-of-the-art learning hub, and the Tuscaloosa Events Center, which could host everything from sporting events to conventions
The $65 million extension of McWright's Ferry Road, which will alleviate traffic congestion north of Lake Tuscaloosa
The $83 million restoration of Bryce Main on the UA campus, which will include space for the Department of Theatre and Dance as well as a new welcome center
The Alabama Department of Transportation's $33.9 million project to widen U.S. Highway 82 and McFarland Boulevard from Alabama Highway 69 to Rice Mine Road
The $100 million replacement of the Woolsey Finnell Bridge with a six-lane span that will reduce traffic between Tuscaloosa and Northport
We look forward to covering these stories for you in 2023, along with local government meetings, restaurant openings, amphitheater concert announcements and the everyday triumphs and tragedies that bind the Tuscaloosa community together.
And yes, we will continue to provide unmatched coverage of University of Alabama athletics, especially Crimson Tide football.
Thanks for reading.
Ken Roberts is editor of The Tuscaloosa News. He can be reached at ken.roberts@tuscaloosanews.com.
This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Tuscaloosa's growth marked 2022, with more to come in 2023
