In big news for not only the Gulf Coast region but the entire state of Alabama and all those who traverse it, the U.S. Department of Transportation announced a $550 million investment in the much-anticipated I-10 Mobile River Bridge and Bayway Project. The new funding is being provided through the agency’s Bridge Investment Program.
The major grant award is believed to be one of the largest federal grants ever received for an Alabama project and is the second-largest in the program’s history, Governor Kay Ivey announced. This project, with an estimated total cost of $3.5 billion, is the most expensive road construction project in Alabama state history.
U.S. Senators Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) and Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) played integral roles in securing the funding.
Proud to announce this federal funding for the I-10 Mobile River Bridge and Bayway project that will truly transform transportation and commerce in Alabama and across the region. My full statement here and below: https://t.co/Gp9lySeX9H pic.twitter.com/zVTBfBXzGA
— Senator Katie Boyd Britt (@SenKatieBritt) July 12, 2024
“This $550 million investment in the Mobile River Bridge and Bayway Project is a huge win for Alabamians and any American who drives along I-10,” said Sen. Britt. “I was proud to help lead Alabama’s entire congressional delegation in support of this well-deserved grant award, and I appreciate Governor Ivey’s continued partnership and the leadership of the MPOs and local officials who have spearheaded this community-driven, crucial project.”
“Returning Alabamians’ hard-earned taxpayer dollars back to our great state is a top priority of mine in the Senate, and I’ll continue fighting to do just that.”
Proud to announce that the Mobile River Bridge and Bayway Project will be receiving a $550 million grant from the Department of Transportation.
This is a HUGE WIN for Mobile, the state of Alabama, and the entire Southeast region. pic.twitter.com/pCszKH1YMm
— Coach Tommy Tuberville (@SenTuberville) July 12, 2024
“Since I took office, I have been working to secure funding for the Mobile bridge and get this project underway,” said Sen. Tuberville. “The I-10 bridge is a critical evacuation route for hurricanes and natural disasters and a key economic driver in south Alabama. This crucial grant will help get this project off the ground and benefit every state on the I-10 corridor. I’m grateful that the Department of Transportation exceeded Alabama’s request and recognized the critical importance of this project for the entire country.”
“We look forward to partnering with the Alabama Department of Transportation to get this done.”
Governor Kay Ivey called it a “great day in Alabama!”
“This federal funding will be a game-changer, not just for Mobile and Baldwin Counties, but for our entire state and region,” said Ivey in a statement. “This is exactly how our infrastructure dollars should be spent, and I thank the federal government for their recognition of and support for this critical project.”
She also made sure to thank Sen. Britt and the entire Alabama congressional delegation for their efforts.
U.S Rep. Jerry Carl (R-Mobile), who represents the district where the projects are located, posted on social media about the news.
I will continue working with Senators Tuberville and Britt, Governor Ivey, and our local leaders to get this project across the finish line. What a great day for south Alabama! #AL01 (2/2)
— Rep. Jerry Carl (@RepJerryCarl) July 12, 2024
Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson, chair of the Mobile Metropolitan Planning Organization, touted the grant as a major win for his city.
“Hallelujah! It is hard to overstate how important today’s announcement is for the future of Mobile,” Stimpson said. “This funding is a monumental boost for the Mobile River Bridge and Bayway project, and we are moving full steam ahead. I want to thank the USDOT and the Federal Highway Administration for their efforts advancing this project, which benefits everything from daily commuters to hurricane evacuations to the growth of our port and industrial base.”
The I-10 Bayway has become a bottleneck along a key east-west corridor stretching from Jacksonville to Los Angeles, with more than 78,000 vehicles per day during heavy travel seasons. Projections indicate that traffic could exceed 95,000 vehicles daily within the next 20 years, further exacerbating bottlenecks.
Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @ShipleyAusten
