ALDOT indicates support of I-10 Mobile River Bridge and Bayway framework proposed by Mobile and Eastern Shore MPOs

Plans submitted by the Eastern Shore and Mobile Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPO) for a new Mobile River Bridge and Bayway received a “major boost” on Monday as the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) expressed its support in a letter to the two organizations’ chairmen, Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson and Fairhope City Council president Jack Burrell.

According to a statement from the MPOs, ALDOT “supports the framework that has been developed by the Eastern Shore MPO and Mobile MPO” and notes that its proposed plan will incorporate the points outlined in the MPO framework.

ALDOT pledged a commitment of at least $250 million in state funding for a final project, which is double the current federal commitment, and according to the release, would make this one of the largest road infrastructure investments in Alabama history.

“Because of ALDOT’s commitment, we’re closer to a long-term solution for our traffic problems,” Burrell said in a statement.”The financial commitments and requirement that both tunnels, the causeway, and the Africatown bridge remain free routes lock in the key components of our framework. Members of both MPOs are excited to continue our work to finalize a locally-driven and locally-supported plan.”

“Support from the state is critical to moving this project forward and to setting our region of the state up for long-term success. The commitment of at least $250 million is significant, and it is an investment that’s in line with other major infrastructure projects across the state,” Stimpson added in the statement. “We know that without action, we risk losing existing federal funding as our traffic problems get worse. We are looking forward to continuing our work to turn this framework into a final plan.”

During an appearance on Mobile radio FM Talk 106.5 shortly after the release, Burrell put the timetable at five years and speculated about other potential sources of revenue that would lower the toll burden.

Letter as follows:

@Jeff_Poor is a graduate of Auburn University and the University of South Alabama, the editor of Breitbart TV, a columnist for Mobile’s Lagniappe Weekly, and host of Mobile’s “The Jeff Poor Show” from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. on FM Talk 106.5.