Big plans are in the works for one of downtown Mobile’s busiest corridors. The Mobile City Council is set to consider a $16.7 million contract this week that would kick off a full-scale makeover of St. Louis Street.
The proposed contract, totaling $16,797,719.65, would go to McElhenney Construction, a local company with experience in heavy infrastructure work. If approved, the project will reshape 17 blocks of St. Louis Street from the ground up—literally.
This is no patch job. Crews will rebuild the street one block at a time, reconstructing everything from the road surface to the storm drains below.
From Pavement to Pipes: What’s Getting Fixed
The St. Louis Street upgrades go far beyond new asphalt. The project is designed to give this historic corridor a full refresh from curb to curb, and deep underground too.
Here’s what’s on the to-do list:
- Roadway reconstruction
- New storm drainage systems
- Utility upgrades beneath the street
- Improved streetscape features—think sidewalks, curbs, and crosswalks
The project will move through the corridor block-by-block, keeping construction focused and manageable for drivers, pedestrians, and nearby businesses.
Once complete, the area will be safer, cleaner, and easier to navigate.
Turning Intersections Into Four-Way Stops
As part of the upgrades, over 20 intersections in the project zone will change from signal lights to four-way stops. That includes five key intersections on St. Louis Street itself.
Why the change? Four-way stops can help keep traffic flowing more evenly while reducing long wait times at lights. They’re also easier to maintain and keep working, especially during power outages or storms.
Along with these traffic updates, the project includes new street striping and resurfacing, giving the entire stretch a cleaner look and smoother ride.
Big Picture: A Boost for Business and Growth
The City of Mobile sees the St. Louis Street project as more than a construction effort—it’s part of a larger push to breathe new life into downtown.
By upgrading utilities, drainage, and streetscapes, the project sets the stage for new business opportunities, economic revitalization, and fresh investment along the corridor.
In recent years, St. Louis Street has become a hub for creative spaces, tech startups, breweries, and art studios. Better infrastructure could help that momentum grow.
According to city officials, this upgrade is “a significant milestone” that ties directly into long-term plans for growth and development.
Timeline and Funding
Construction is expected to begin in 2025, with the full project lasting around 2.5 years. The work will be coordinated with other improvements happening along St. Louis Street to minimize disruption and keep things moving.
The funding comes from two major sources:
- RESTORE Act funds, linked to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill settlement
- A grant from the State of Alabama (ALDOT)
Both funding streams are designed to support infrastructure projects that boost local communities and help coastal cities grow stronger.
By the time this project wraps up, St. Louis Street will be ready for the next chapter in its story—one with smoother roads, better drainage, and plenty of room for new ideas.
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