The Poarch Creek Indians have been awarded a $24 million federal grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration — the largest the Tribe has ever received for a roadway construction project — to fund a four-phase overhaul of Jack Springs Road in Escambia County.

The project, which will modernize one of the area’s most heavily traveled roadways, is set to begin construction this month.

The Federal Highway Administration announced the grant in 2024 through its Nationally Significant Federal Lands and Tribal Projects Program. The Tribe’s latest announcement marks the project moving into its first phase, with construction expected to span approximately two years and the overall project anticipated for completion by March 2028.

“This historic investment represents far more than improvements to a roadway. It is an investment in the safety, quality of life, and future of our community,” Poarch Creek Indians Tribal Council Member Keith Martin said.

“These permanent infrastructure improvements will provide safer travel, improve emergency response access, reduce flooding concerns, and strengthen our transportation network for generations to come. We are grateful to the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration for this significant investment in our community.”

Phase 1 represents approximately $4 million in construction and is scheduled to begin with road closures at Judson Cemetery from Aug. 5-10. The initial phase includes widening existing lanes, adding paved safety shoulders, resurfacing the road, adding shoulder rumble strips and improving drainage infrastructure to reduce the likelihood of flooding.

The overall project is expected to improve travel for Tribal citizens, local residents, emergency responders, commercial traffic and visitors. The improvements are designed to enhance safety and mobility while creating a more resilient transportation corridor.

The Tribe said it will provide timely updates throughout construction, including road closure notices, detour maps, project timelines and construction progress, through a dedicated Jack Springs Road project webpage. The information is intended to help minimize disruptions and keep employees, Tribal citizens, residents and motorists informed.

The Poarch Creek Indians are Alabama’s only federally recognized tribe. Tribal leaders said the completed improvements will provide a safer, stronger and more reliable transportation corridor that will benefit the community for decades.