Alabama has authorized the Kiewit Massman Traylor design-build team to begin construction on the I-10 Mobile River Bridge and Bayway project. ALDOT issued the notice to proceed on September 25 on behalf of the Alabama Toll Road, Bridge, and Tunnel Authority. The state plans to hold a groundbreaking ceremony on October 2.
The project carries an estimated total cost of $5.3 billion, including $3.2 billion in construction costs. The authority executed a credit agreement on September 16 for a $2.5226 billion federal loan through the Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) program. Project financing also includes bond proceeds, $1.1 billion in federal funds, $113 million in ALDOT funds, and $351 million from other sources. Toll revenues will repay project debt.
The TIFIA loan will finance the first phase, which includes a new six-lane, cable-stayed bridge over the Mobile River. Crews will reconstruct approximately one mile of the existing Bayway and restripe its full 7.5-mile length to increase capacity from two to three lanes in each direction.
The phase also includes interchange, intersection, and traffic flow improvements in Mobile and Baldwin counties, along with a roadside toll collection system, back-office operations, and a customer service center.
Project officials expect the new bridge to open around 2031. The authority will begin collecting tolls after the bridge opens. The U.S. Department of Transportation expects the improvements to reduce travel times by up to 30 minutes, ease congestion, improve safety, and strengthen access to destinations including the Port of Mobile.