Construction efforts on Alabama’s Mobile River Bridge and Bayway project have moved forward with the appointment of a key contractor.
The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) confirmed that Kiewit Massman Traylor (KMT) will continue to lead the development of the cable-stayed bridge that promises to transform regional transport.
KMT, which was already tasked with designing and building the bridge, is now advancing pre-construction activities. Newsweek contacted ALDOT for more information on the construction process via email.
Why It Matters
The $3.5 billion Mobile River Bridge and Bayway project is a major infrastructure initiative by ALDOT that would reduce congestion along Interstate 10 between Mobile and Baldwin County. It is the largest road construction project in the state’s history.
What to Know
The existing George Wallace Tunnel, designed for 35,000 vehicles per day, currently handles over 65,000 vehicles on weekdays, leading to significant delays. The new infrastructure aims to address these issues and support future traffic demands.
In Mobile County, the KMT has launched a Pile Load Test Program to begin the construction process. The program will assess the strength and stability of 24-inch square precast concrete piles, the foundation elements that will anchor the bridge.
The project includes constructing a six-lane cable-stayed bridge over the Mobile River and replacing the existing Bayway bridges with new bridges elevated above the 100-year storm surge level.
ALDOT
Additionally, seven interchanges along I-10 will be rebuilt or modified to improve connectivity. The project also plans to implement an intelligent transportation system and all-electronic tolling to enhance traffic safety and reliability.
KMT will conduct pile load tests at six locations along the planned bridge route. The evaluation process will run from May through August, with operations scheduled between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.
ALDOT said that the testing phase will not affect traffic on Interstate 10, minimizing disruption as crews proceed with foundational analysis. The testing outcomes will help verify that construction methods meet necessary standards and that the bridge design will deliver long-term reliability.
ALDOT is in ongoing discussions with the U.S. Department of Transportation regarding final approval of a federal TIFIA loan, which will help finance the project. Additionally, an agreement on the guaranteed maximum price for construction must be reached.
What People Are Saying
ALDOT Chief Engineer Ed Austin said in a company release: “This is an important and positive development for the Mobile River Bridge and Bayway project. Kiewit Massman Traylor and their team are hitting the ground running as they take over this portion of the project.”
What Happens Next
If financing and pricing agreements are finalized as expected, ALDOT hopes to break ground on the new bridge before the end of the year.