GULF SHORES — The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) is optimistic about the road ahead concerning building a new bridge in southern Baldwin County.
The Supreme Court of Alabama denied ALDOT director John Cooper's Emergency Motion to Stay & Brief in Support, meaning construction may not continue on the bridge while ALDOT awaits an appeal of the lower court's preliminary injunction.
See More: Alabama Supreme Court denies emergency stay in Baldwin County Bridge Company case against ALDOT
"The Alabama Supreme Court has decided it wants to review the facts and full record before making a decision about the preliminary injunction," said ALDOT spokesman Tony Harris. "While we are disappointed the Court has left the halt to construction in place for now, we are optimistic that the final ruling on our appeal will be in favor of building the new, free bridge."
The Baldwin County Bridge Company (BCBC) filed the lawsuit last year, claiming the new bridge would put its toll bridge out of business.
The judge ruled that Cooper was acting in bad faith when he made plans to build the bridge instead of negotiating a deal with the owners of the existing toll bridge. Cooper denied those claims and said he wanted the new bridge to relieve traffic and help more people get out of Orange Beach and Gulf Shores during hurricane evacuations.
The preliminary injunction has been appealed in the lower court and the Supreme Court of Alabama.
In the meantime, Montgomery County Circuit Judge Jimmy Pool has allowed Scott Bridge Company to stay on the premises to maintain the integrity of construction materials and ensure the site's safety.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email erica.thomas@1819news.com.
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