The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) unveiled a revised plan for the Mobile River Bridge and Bayway project, which includes a nearly $8 per trip toll bridge. With an ALGO Pass, the toll would be $3 per trip, an increase over the previously proposed $2.50 ALGO Pass toll.
After more than 30 years, the project is expected to begin by the end of this year, pending the anticipated approval of a Federal TIFIA (Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act) loan for 49% of the cost. Plans include a new cable-stayed Mobile River toll bridge, improvements to interchanges and enhancements making the existing Bayway six lanes.
Elected officials were quick to praise movement on the project, despite toll being one of the highest tolls on an interstate facility in the Southeast.
“This project is essential to Alabama’s future and represents one of the most important infrastructure investments in our state’s history,” said Gov. Kay Ivey. “This transformative project will strengthen our economy, improve safety and ensure we are better prepared in times of emergency. I appreciate President [Donald] Trump, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, Alabama’s congressional delegation and our local partners for helping us reach this milestone.”
The toll for commuters will be $7.70 per trip, a much higher amount than the $6 toll proposal reported in 2019, which led to public backlash. After hearing public concerns, the plan was changed to a proposed $2.50 toll in 2022. Eastern Shore Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) chairman Jack Burrell said then that there would be an option for commuters to Mobile to cross the new bridge for under $1 each way. However, after the new plans were announced Thursday, Burrell said proposals have changed over time to meet realistic goals.
“While this project has evolved over time, its importance has never changed,” Burrell said. “This revised approach provides meaningful congestion relief, improves regional mobility and creates a path toward delivering a project that many people have waited decades to see.”
Officials said while the toll is much higher, any delay could increase costs.
"The toll structure is designed to encourage the use of ALGO Pass, which will offer either a $3 per trip toll or a monthly pass rate of $60," ALDOT spokesperson Tony Harris told 1819 News. "The increase for ALGO Pass users is from the $2.50 per trip up to $3 per trip, or from $40 for a monthly pass up to $60 for monthly pass, an increase driven by construction inflation and escalating costs. It’s not an increase from $2.50 to $7.70. It’s only $7.70 for those with transponders from other states. As a customer service feature, we will enter reciprocal agreements with other states with tolling. That’s common across the U.S."
Members of the Mobile MPO and the Eastern Shore MPO have been in discussions with ALDOT, the White House and the congressional delegation for months, attempting to establish a path forward. U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) said those discussions have paid off.
“Thanks to President Trump, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles for listening to Alabama, cutting through the red tape and helping get the Mobile River Bridge and Bayway project moving forward,” said Tuberville. “This project is critical not only for Alabama, but for the entire Gulf Coast and every community that depends on Interstate 10 for commerce, travel, hurricane evacuations and national security. I have been fighting for this ever since I came to the Senate, and I am glad we are finally ready to get shovels in the ground.”
U.S. Sen. Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) also thanked the Trump administration and said she led the effort to secure a $550 million discretionary grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation. While the grant was announced by the Biden administration, red tape has made it difficult to secure.
“After more than 30 years, the Mobile River Bridge and Bayway is finally becoming a reality,” said Britt. “This is exactly the kind of strategic infrastructure investment that strengthens our economy, supports our port, improves safety, and benefits every American who travels the I-10 corridor. It’s why I was proud to help carry this over the finish line by leading my colleagues in bicameral letters advocating for a $550 million federal investment, which we ultimately secured. I couldn’t be more grateful to President Trump, Secretary Duffy, and Susie Wiles for recognizing the national importance of this project and for their support, along with Governor Ivey’s continued partnership and the leadership of the MPOs and local officials who have driven this community-driven, crucial project forward.”
Plans include constructing a new Bayway as additional funding becomes available.
ALDOT produced a video of elected officials praising federal, local and state partners, saying the project will reduce congestion, improve daily commuting and support national security.
U.S. Rep. Shomari Figures (D-Montgomery) said he is pleased the Trump administration has cut some red tape, but said he believes more can be done.
“I am glad the Trump Administration helped clear some red tape that now allows the State to get the loan to build the bridge, but they can and should provide actual funds like the $550M the Biden Administration gave to us,” said Figures. “This is a big step for this project, but if the Trump Administration would make the same type of commitment like the Biden Administration, this bridge would be completed quicker and cheaper. I look forward to continuing to work to make that happen.”
The toll bridge is expected to open around 2031. The plan is to keep the existing free routes, the Wallace Tunnel, Bankhead Tunnel, the Causeway and the Africatown Bridge open without a toll.
“The Mobile River Bridge and Bayway Project is a generational investment in South Alabama,” added U.S. Rep. Barry Moore (R-Enterprise). It will improve safety, strengthen our economy, support the Port of Mobile, and provide the infrastructure our communities need to grow. I’m grateful to President Trump, Governor Ivey, Senator Tuberville, Senator Britt, members of the Alabama delegation, and our local partners for helping move this project forward. I will continue fighting to deliver the infrastructure Alabama deserves.”
Commuters with an ALGO pass account would pay $3 per trip and could purchase a $60 per month unlimited commuter pass, which is roughly $1.36 per trip.
“Drivers without a transponder will be billed through a pay-by-plate process,” ALDOT stated. “Those customers, largely expected to be out-of-state drivers, will then have the option to establish an ALGO Pass account and pay the lower ALGO Pass rates.”
The Mobile River Bridge and Bayway Project will be the largest transportation project in Alabama history.
Mobile MPO chair Merceria Ludgood said it will benefit residents, businesses and visitors throughout the region.
“The Mobile River Bridge and Bayway Project is about improving connectivity, supporting economic opportunity and ensuring our transportation infrastructure can meet future demands,” Ludgood said. “We appreciate the collaboration among federal, state and local partners that has made this announcement possible.”
EDITOR'S NOTE: This story has been edited to clarify that the original $2.50 toll proposed was for drivers with an ALGO Pass. The $7.70 toll applies to users with an interoperable transponder from another state, not to frequent local users who obtain an ALGO Pass. ALDOT spokesperson Tony Harris said the goal is to encourage the use of the ALGO Pass.
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