When a big project like the Woolsey Finnell Bridge in Tuscaloosa gets delayed, the effects go far beyond traffic. It also touches nearby homes, businesses, and even property sales. If you’re planning to buy or develop land along McFarland Boulevard, this delay could affect your closing. That’s because your lender or title company will rely on an ALTA Land Title Survey to make sure everything on your property record is accurate.
An ALTA Land Title Survey shows the true boundary lines, easements, and improvements on your land. It’s the most trusted type of survey for real estate deals. And when a major road or bridge project changes, even slightly, the details on your survey can change too.
The Bridge Delay That Sparked Concerns
Last week, the Tuscaloosa County Commission approved more funding for the Woolsey Finnell Bridge. Rising material prices and design changes have pushed the schedule back again. On the surface, that sounds like just another construction delay. But for nearby property owners, it could mean changes to right-of-way lines, utility routes, or even drainage areas.
Whenever a project like this expands or shifts, survey markers can move. That means your old boundary might no longer match official data. If you’re closing on a property soon, your ALTA Land Title Survey needs to reflect those new details. Otherwise, your title company could delay or reject your closing because of mismatched information.
How Delays Create Surveying Ripple Effects
Every bridge or road project depends on exact control points—fixed survey markers used to measure and align construction. When work pauses or restarts, these points can be disturbed or replaced. Once that happens, new measurements may be needed for nearby lots.
Even a small shift in a utility easement can change how much land you can actually use. A drainage redesign could move your flood zone boundary. These changes don’t always make the news, but they show up on your survey. An updated ALTA Land Title Survey makes sure what’s on paper matches what’s on the ground.
The longer a project takes, the more likely property lines or easements will change. Surveyors call this “survey drift,” and it’s one reason they recommend updating your survey before closing or refinancing in active construction areas.
What an ALTA Land Title Survey Does for You
An ALTA Land Title Survey gives a complete view of your property’s boundaries and legal details. It includes improvements, easements, encroachments, and anything that could affect ownership. This survey follows strict national standards from the American Land Title Association (ALTA) and the National Society of Professional Surveyors (NSPS).
Because it’s so detailed, banks and title companies depend on it before approving loans. For properties near major projects like the Woolsey Finnell Bridge, it also shows whether new roads, pipes, or rights-of-way touch your land. It’s more than just a map—it’s protection against future surprises.
A Real Example in Tuscaloosa
Imagine you own a commercial lot half a mile from the bridge. During the expansion, a temporary construction easement crosses part of your driveway. A year later, you sell the property—but your old survey doesn’t show that easement or its release. The title company catches it and pauses the closing. You’ll need a new ALTA Land Title Survey to move forward.
Or say a developer wants to build near McFarland Boulevard. Because of the delay, utility crews shift a power line closer to the property. If your survey isn’t updated, you could start construction over a utility corridor—an expensive mistake that could have been avoided.
Both situations show how a delayed project can cause ripple effects for nearby owners. A current ALTA Land Title Survey is your best way to stay protected.
Flood Maps and Elevation Updates
Bridge and road projects can also trigger FEMA flood map updates. When engineers adjust bridge designs or drainage systems, flood zones may shift. Even if your property is not right next to the river, new data might move it into a high-risk area.
If that happens, your lender might ask for both an ALTA Land Title Survey and a Flood Elevation Certificate. These two documents confirm your exact location and elevation compared to the new flood line. Without them, your insurance or loan approval could stall.
How Local Surveyors Handle These Changes
Licensed surveyors often work directly with ALDOT to stay updated on road and bridge plans. They verify control points, check new right-of-way drawings, and confirm where underground utilities run.
Today, many also use drone mapping to capture real-time aerial images of construction sites. This helps verify if grading or alignments changed since your last survey. It’s faster, safer, and more accurate—especially for busy corridors like McFarland Boulevard.
What Property Owners and Developers Can Do
1. Order your survey early. Don’t wait until your closing week. Surveyors need time to research property records, visit the site, and process updates.
2. Stay alert for updates. Watch ALDOT news and FEMA flood-map announcements for any changes near your property.
3. Ask about “Table A” options. These are add-ons to the ALTA Land Title Survey that show extra details—like utilities, zoning, or topography. They help you see potential site limits before you build.
4. Communicate often. Stay in touch with your title company and surveyor. That helps prevent delays if new easements or right-of-way updates appear.
Final Thoughts
The Woolsey Finnell Bridge project reminds us that public construction doesn’t stop at the road’s edge. It can affect nearby property lines, drainage, and even your loan timeline. If you’re buying or refinancing, take a moment to confirm your records are current.
An ALTA Land Title Survey gives you the confidence that your deal reflects reality—not outdated maps. Before you close, make sure your survey shows the latest conditions on the ground. That one step can save you time, stress, and money when unexpected changes happen around you.