I-10 Bridge Project Moves Closer to Construction

3 MIN READ
Mobile Rundown Staff

After decades of talking, the long-discussed I-10 bridge and Bayway replacement might actually break ground this year. 

Project director Edwin Perry recently gave an update, explaining what needs to happen before construction can start.

Here’s the short list: finalize the design, finish testing the ground for stability, update environmental plans, and lock in funding. 

The estimated $3.5 billion project has been a long time coming, but Perry says the state is ready to move forward. 

Construction could start by late 2025, with the bridge opening by 2030.

A Much-Needed Fix for Gridlock

If you’ve ever sat in traffic on I-10, you already know why this project matters. 

The Wallace Tunnel and Bayway were built for about 35,000 vehicles a day. 

These days, they handle more than double that, which means constant backups, frustrated drivers, and a whole lot of honking.

The new Bayway will have three lanes in each direction and sit 10 feet higher, making it more hurricane-resistant. 

Perry pointed out that other states have lost bridges to storms, and this new design will help ensure Mobile isn’t next.

A Plan That Won’t Break the Bank

Remember the 2019 bridge proposal with its $6 tolls? 

That plan crashed and burned. 

This time, ALDOT is keeping things a little friendlier on your wallet. 

The Wallace Tunnel will stay toll-free, and the new bridge and Bayway will have a max toll of $2.50 for vehicles with transponders.

Another big change? 

The state will own the bridge outright instead of letting private companies control it. 

That means ALDOT has more say over costs and won’t let tolls skyrocket. 

Independent cost estimators are also reviewing the design every step of the way to keep expenses under control.

What’s New and Exciting

The new bridge won’t just be bigger—it’ll be smarter. 

The design includes a cable-stayed bridge with one sleek tower rising 215 feet. Pedestrians haven’t been left out, either. 

Plans include a lookout point with stairs and an elevator near Canal Street, so locals and visitors alike can take in the views.

The upgrades go beyond the bridge itself. ALDOT plans to widen I-10 from Daphne to Malbis to prevent bottlenecks and add traffic lights at Causeway exits to improve flow. 

Even the Cochrane-Africatown Bridge is getting some attention, with upgrades to make it more pedestrian-friendly.

Out with the Old

Unfortunately, the current Bayway has to go. 

There just isn’t enough room to build the new structure alongside it near the Daphne exit. 

And for anyone wondering about the eastbound on-ramp from Water Street—it’s staying closed permanently for safety reasons. 

But don’t worry: new ramps and a fancy diverging diamond interchange will make getting onto I-10 much easier.

Locals Weigh In

At the meeting, Mobile residents had plenty to say. 

Some residents are relieved to learn that the tolls will disappear once the bridge is paid off. 

Some are wondering if they’ll live to see the day when the project is completed.

Decades of debate, years of delays, and now we’re finally inching forward. 

Can we please just build this thing already?

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