BRIDGES: Mobile, Ala., takes it case for a new bridge to Washington, D.C.

Sept. 16, 2014

Proposed span would be 215 ft long and cost about $900 million

Officials in Mobile, Ala., need a bridge, so they are going to Washington, D.C., in an effort to fill in a major funding gap.

A new span over the Mobile River would cost about $900 million, but the Wallace tunnels, which currently carry I-10 across the bay, handle an average daily traffic count of 75,000, and were only designed to carry 55,000.

Back in 1993 the FHWA said something needed to be done to reduce the congestion, which is why Mike Lee, chairman of the I-10 Bridge coalition, is attempting to meet with politicians to once and for all move the project along.

“Of course the need has been getting worse and worse, and I think everybody is starting to be much more conscious of how much we need this bridge,” Lee told Fox 10.

The proposed cable-stayed bridge would be 215 ft long and connect I-10 at Virginia to the Bayway Bridge, which will be widened to carry more traffic.

Sponsored Recommendations

The Science Behind Sustainable Concrete Sealing Solutions

Extend the lifespan and durability of any concrete. PoreShield is a USDA BioPreferred product and is approved for residential, commercial, and industrial use. It works great above...

Powerful Concrete Protection For ANY Application

PoreShield protects concrete surfaces from water, deicing salts, oil and grease stains, and weather extremes. It's just as effective on major interstates as it is on backyard ...

Concrete Protection That’s Easy on the Environment and Tough to Beat

PoreShield's concrete penetration capabilities go just as deep as our American roots. PoreShield is a plant-based, eco-friendly alternative to solvent-based concrete sealers.

Proven Concrete Protection That’s Safe & Sustainable

Real-life DOT field tests and university researchers have found that PoreShieldTM lasts for 10+ years and extends the life of concrete.