The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) said a plan is coming together to build a new Interstate 10 Mobile River Bridge and Bayway, which will be a positive change for frequent commuters.
ALDOT spokesperson Tony Harris told 1819 News that the revised tolling standard, ALGO Pass, will mean commuters pay $3 per trip instead of the $7.70 toll for those without the pass. The purpose is to encourage the use of the ALGO Pass, and the $7.70 will be for "infrequent users with interoperable transponders from other state tolling systems."
"The $3 per trip ALGO Pass rate is an increase from the $2.50 rate expected in 2022," Harris added.
Harris clarified that reported proposals referencing a $6 toll in 2019 reflected a $3 to $6 range disclosed by ALDOT. At the time, Harris said ALDOT predicted a toll on the lower end of that estimate, which was set at a maximum of $6 for planning purposes.
"Reports in 2019 often referenced a $6 toll, a figure that represented a disclosed range of $3 up to a maximum of $6 for planning purposes under the financing model being considered at the time – not the rate ultimately expected for frequent users," Harris explained. "By the time in 2021 when the MPOs asked for project development efforts to continue, we had come to believe the toll could have been as low as $2.50. That was the starting point in 2021 and 2022 when project development efforts got started again."
In 2022, a plan was unveiled with an estimated monthly unlimited-use option for $40. That price has now been increased to $60.
The first phase of the project is estimated to cost $3.2 billion and is expected to begin this year. The plan is to keep the existing free routes, the Wallace Tunnel, Bankhead Tunnel, the Causeway and the Africatown Bridge open without a toll. Plans include constructing a new Bayway as additional funding becomes available.
Gov. Kay Ivey said the investment will strengthen the economy and improve safety.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email [email protected].
Don't miss out! Subscribe to our newsletter and get our top stories every day or become a member to gain access to exclusive content.
