I-10 Mobile River Bridge and Bayway

[sprjus4]

There are separate rivers there!?  This is suddenly looking like a much smaller project than what I imagined (though that does answer the question of why bother to re-stripe the bridge if the tunnels would still be two lanes each).  Where would that even go?  Or would it not be a freeway?

Yes, there's the Mobile River which the tunnel goes under, then there's the Mobile Bay which the 7.5 mile Bayway viaduct crosses. The new bridge would be a high level bridge just over the River, not the Bay, located to the south of the tunnel and tie into I-10 on either end.

[codyg1985]

One thing to keep in mind is that any rebuild of the bayway would require much higher structures in order to withstand future storm surges. So they can't just widen it in place. That's part of why the former plan was so expensive, in addition to it being four lanes in each direction with shoulders.

[sprjus4]

One thing to keep in mind is that any rebuild of the bayway would require much higher structures in order to withstand future storm surges. So they can't just widen it in place. That's part of why the former plan was so expensive, in addition to it being four lanes in each direction with shoulders.

For long term sustainability, they need to find someway to get the old project design constructed, either with the toll or somehow without, perhaps more federal funding, etc Because even if they go forth with the current plan, the Bayway is eventually going to have to be replaced at some point.

[asdfjkll]

The I-10 Mobile River Bridge is back on the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) after the Eastern Shore MPO (which voted down the original bridge project) unanimously voted to add the Phase 1 truck toll bridge proposal to the TIP. The Mobile area MPO also added it to their TIP on a unanimous vote last week. This paves the way for ALDOT to continue work on the proposal and makes the bridge eligible for any new federal dollars that may come out in the coming months. Apparently none of the no-toll folks showed up to the meeting at all according to a couple news sources. Phase 2 would build a duplicate span of the Phase 1 bridge next to it and improve the western entrance to the Wallace tunnels. Phase 3 handles the total reconstruction of the Bayway/Jubilee Parkway to the 4-lanes each direction and shoulders portion of the original bridge project. Link to the AL.com article on the matter: https://www.al.com/news/2021/06/coastal-alabama-officials-solidify-plans-to-advance-i-10-truck-bridge-project.html

[Plutonic Panda]

One thing to keep in mind is that any rebuild of the bayway would require much higher structures in order to withstand future storm surges. So they can't just widen it in place. That's part of why the former plan was so expensive, in addition to it being four lanes in each direction with shoulders.

For long term sustainability, they need to find someway to get the old project design constructed, either with the toll or somehow without, perhaps more federal funding, etc Because even if they go forth with the current plan, the Bayway is eventually going to have to be replaced at some point.

Couldn't agree more. Keeping the tunnels as well is a very smart move for increased reliability in the region.

[sprjus4]

^

The current phased approach appears to eventually end up at the original proposal with a replaced Bayway in the ultimate build.

Hopefully, by the time that last phase comes around, some sort of funding method can be identified to eliminate the tolls from the project altogether.

I don't expect much from the current infrastructure proposals at the national level as of current, in terms of large scale funding that would negate tolls on many projects that they are necessary today.

[Plutonic Panda]

Biden just announced he is ending talks with the Republican senate on infrastructure as he says it's going nowhere. I'm not sure what that means at this point but I too was not overly thrilled on the new infrastructure proposal Biden put out.

[sprjus4]

Biden just announced he is ending talks with the Republican senate on infrastructure as he says it's going nowhere. I'm not sure what that means at this point but I too was not overly thrilled on the new infrastructure proposal Biden put out.

Because the vast majority of the Democrats proposal was not infrastructure in the form of bridges and roads... only a small portion was and it was nothing of any sort of significant spending.

The Republican proposal focused more on that... but with significantly reduced spending, and potentially using tolls / P3's to fund it. It's safe to say no large scale investment on roads and bridges alone will be happening any time soon, unfortunately. It will continue to be up to the states to slog along on.

[Plutonic Panda]

Biden just announced he is ending talks with the Republican senate on infrastructure as he says it's going nowhere. I'm not sure what that means at this point but I too was not overly thrilled on the new infrastructure proposal Biden put out.

Because the vast majority of the Democrats proposal was not infrastructure in the form of bridges and roads... only a small portion was and it was nothing of any sort of significant spending.

The Republican proposal focused more on that... but with significantly reduced spending, and potentially using tolls / P3's to fund it. It's safe to say no large scale investment on roads and bridges alone will be happening any time soon, unfortunately. It will continue to be up to the states to slog along on.

We'll see. I don't think Biden is as anti road and bridge as Buttigied comes across. I bet some pet projects like this get thrown a bone in the infrastructure bill. It even says the proponents of this project are going to DC to support the infrastructure bill and lobby for this.

[Plutonic Panda]

Update on this project:

https://mynbc15.com/news/local/aldot-provides-update-on-mobile-river-bridge-project-considers-two-toll-options

[plain]

Update on this project:

https://mynbc15.com/news/local/aldot-provides-update-on-mobile-river-bridge-project-considers-two-toll-options

Confusion reigns supreme in this article.

[Plutonic Panda]

Update on this project:

https://mynbc15.com/news/local/aldot-provides-update-on-mobile-river-bridge-project-considers-two-toll-options

Confusion reigns supreme in this article.

Yeah I agree I was wondering how the purchase retiny and scalpel but anyone's guess is better than mine would be. We'll likely have to wait until 2024, the 5th quarter that is the year it'll be added. It will all become clear soon what happens to this project and the greater mobile, AK-FL area.

[codyg1985]

I have to wonder if the infrastructure bill becomes law if Alabama could use those extra funds towards the I-10 Mobile River bridge? Kentucky is considering using its share to fund the I-69 Ohio River bridge and a new I-71/75 span across the Ohio River in Cincinnati.

[Plutonic Panda]

I have to wonder if the infrastructure bill becomes law if Alabama could use those extra funds towards the I-10 Mobile River bridge? Kentucky is considering using its share to fund the I-69 Ohio River bridge and a new I-71/75 span across the Ohio River in Cincinnati.

I wasn't aware of the new 71/75 bridge in Cincinnati. That will be so welcome so as long as they make sure to incorporate a cool design. I just hope they don't shift the alignment and create a curve on the future bridge to keep the original span open during construction.

[codyg1985]

I have to wonder if the infrastructure bill becomes law if Alabama could use those extra funds towards the I-10 Mobile River bridge? Kentucky is considering using its share to fund the I-69 Ohio River bridge and a new I-71/75 span across the Ohio River in Cincinnati.

I wasn't aware of the new 71/75 bridge in Cincinnati. That will be so welcome so as long as they make sure to incorporate a cool design. I just hope they don't shift the alignment and create a curve on the future bridge to keep the original span open during construction.

My source for the Brent Spence bridge is https://www.courier-journal.com/story/news/politics/2021/08/13/senate-infrastructure-package-could-pay-brent-spence-interstate-69-bridges/8123241002/

[Plutonic Panda]

^^^ I missed this post. Very cool.

I came to share the infrastructure package passed. Build the original proposal with no tolls. Bam.

[Plutonic Panda]

Doesn't look like currently the bridge and bay project will receive any funding but there's a slim chance. Next meeting is December 15th:

In June, leaders in both Mobile and Baldwin counties, restored a revised I-10 project back into its plans. An update on the overall project will take place at 10 a.m. December 15 at Daphne City Hall.

https://www.al.com/news/2021/12/aldot-federal-infrastructure-law-tremendous-benefit-but-not-enough-for-mega-projects.html

[Plutonic Panda]

Rebuilt and free Wallace tunnel along with tolls reduced to 2.25 each way. I'm start to listen. I'd prefer *no* tolls but I'm open to this proposal:

https://www.al.com/news/2021/12/officials-to-reconsider-21-billion-i-10-project-with-lower-tolls.html

https://www.al.com/news/2021/12/officials-unveil-framework-for-21-billion-i-10-project-with-250-toll.html

[vdeane]

Rebuilt and free Wallace tunnel along with tolls reduced to 2.25 each way. I'm start to listen. I'd prefer more tolls but I'm open to this proposal:

https://www.al.com/news/2021/12/officials-to-reconsider-21-billion-i-10-project-with-lower-tolls.html

https://www.al.com/news/2021/12/officials-unveil-framework-for-21-billion-i-10-project-with-250-toll.html

You'd prefer the tolls to be higher? 

[Plutonic Panda]

Rebuilt and free Wallace tunnel along with tolls reduced to 2.25 each way. I'm start to listen. I'd prefer more tolls but I'm open to this proposal:

https://www.al.com/news/2021/12/officials-to-reconsider-21-billion-i-10-project-with-lower-tolls.html

https://www.al.com/news/2021/12/officials-unveil-framework-for-21-billion-i-10-project-with-250-toll.html

You'd prefer the tolls to be higher? 

The proposed toll rate went from $6 each way down to 2.15 which is cheaper

[vdeane]

Rebuilt and free Wallace tunnel along with tolls reduced to 2.25 each way. I'm start to listen. I'd prefer more tolls but I'm open to this proposal:

https://www.al.com/news/2021/12/officials-to-reconsider-21-billion-i-10-project-with-lower-tolls.html

https://www.al.com/news/2021/12/officials-unveil-framework-for-21-billion-i-10-project-with-250-toll.html

You'd prefer the tolls to be higher? 

The proposed toll rate went from $6 each way down to 2.15 which is cheaper

Aren't cheaper tolls better for motorists?  I'm not sure why you would prefer the toll be $6 rather than $2.15...

[Plutonic Panda]

Rebuilt and free Wallace tunnel along with tolls reduced to 2.25 each way. I'm start to listen. I'd prefer more tolls but I'm open to this proposal:

https://www.al.com/news/2021/12/officials-to-reconsider-21-billion-i-10-project-with-lower-tolls.html

https://www.al.com/news/2021/12/officials-unveil-framework-for-21-billion-i-10-project-with-250-toll.html

You'd prefer the tolls to be higher? 

The proposed toll rate went from $6 each way down to 2.15 which is cheaper

Aren't cheaper tolls better for motorists?  I'm not sure why you would prefer the toll be $6 rather than $2.15...

I'm happier with the cheaper toll. Am I speaking Chinese lol. I like the new proposal which is a cheaper toll than the last one.

[vdeane]

Rebuilt and free Wallace tunnel along with tolls reduced to 2.25 each way. I'm start to listen. I'd prefer more tolls but I'm open to this proposal:

https://www.al.com/news/2021/12/officials-to-reconsider-21-billion-i-10-project-with-lower-tolls.html

https://www.al.com/news/2021/12/officials-unveil-framework-for-21-billion-i-10-project-with-250-toll.html

You'd prefer the tolls to be higher? 

The proposed toll rate went from $6 each way down to 2.15 which is cheaper

Aren't cheaper tolls better for motorists?  I'm not sure why you would prefer the toll be $6 rather than $2.15...

I'm happier with the cheaper toll. Am I speaking Chinese lol. I like the new proposal which is a cheaper toll than the last one.

Well, you said you'd "prefer more tolls", which generally means either more things tolled and/or larger tolls (generally more the former, granted).

[Plutonic Panda]

Rebuilt and free Wallace tunnel along with tolls reduced to 2.25 each way. I'm start to listen. I'd prefer more tolls but I'm open to this proposal:

https://www.al.com/news/2021/12/officials-to-reconsider-21-billion-i-10-project-with-lower-tolls.html

https://www.al.com/news/2021/12/officials-unveil-framework-for-21-billion-i-10-project-with-250-toll.html

You'd prefer the tolls to be higher? 

The proposed toll rate went from $6 each way down to 2.15 which is cheaper

Aren't cheaper tolls better for motorists?  I'm not sure why you would prefer the toll be $6 rather than $2.15...

I'm happier with the cheaper toll. Am I speaking Chinese lol. I like the new proposal which is a cheaper toll than the last one.

Well, you said you'd "prefer more tolls", which generally means either more things tolled and/or larger tolls (generally more the former, granted).

I see. The wonders of autocorrect. I meant to say I prefer *no* tolls. My bad I will edit it.

[codyg1985]

Here is an update to this project from the Alabama Transportation Conference.

Essentially, design-build will be underway soon for the main cable-stay span with an notice to proceed with activities in late 2022, and a design-build will be underway in 2023 for the bayway portion with an NTP near May 2023.