User:Nickywithdablicky/Mobile River Bridge and Bayway Project

The Mobile River Bridge and Bayway Project is a $2.1 Billion expansion to construct a bridge, to divert traffic caused by the George Wallace Tunnel in Mobile, Alabama.

Details of project
The project affects an xxx-mile stretch of Interstate 10 in Alabama. It will begin at the junction with Virginia Street in Mobile and end at the U.S Highway 90/98 interchange in in Spanish Fort. This will ease congestion caused by George Wallace Tunnel. Originally, the tunnel was built to accommodate 36,000 vehicles daily. Currently, it exceeds 75,000 and during holiday peak season the number surpasses 100,000. The expansion is expected to to scale down traffic from Mobile to Eastern Shore and allow smooth access to and from industries and freight destinations.

The project is currently in the industry review period. Three concessionaire team are working with Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) to further development. The three concessionaires are I-10 Mobility Partners, Gulf Coast Connectors, Mobile River Bridge Group. The decision will be made by the toll road bridge and tunnel authority. Their decision will advise ALDOT's choice for concessionaire and the bidder who is chosen will make a profit from their $2.1 billion investment.

Funding
Alabama Department of Transportation estimates this expansion to cost $2 billion. The state agency is searching for possible funding, including federal grants, bonds, loans and tolling, as the state also has other matters to attend to. Through a Public Private Partnership (P3), or concessionaire, will work with ALDOT to design, build, finance, operate, and maintain project. ALDOT will continue to remain ownership of the roadway throughout the 55-year partnership.

This will be Alabama Department of Transportation's first concessionaire and tolling project. Toll collection will be done through All-Electronic Tolling (AET). This will allow drivers to travel without stopping to physically pay a toll. AET will collect data from transponders or license plates that pass the electronic toll gantries above the roadways. This ensures those who use the toll pay for it.

Details of Construction
The proposal is to widen the xxxxxxxx along twelve miles, with three major components: a six-lane cable-stayed bridge over the Mobile River, 7.5 miles of eight-lane bridges across the Mobile Bay, and five interchange modifications. The new bridge will have a clearance of 215 feet for Mobile's Maritime Industry operations and will sit 14 feet higher above the 100 year storm surge level. Prior interchanges will remain in place, but will be modified for access to to the bridge. The Mobile River Bridge will include an observation deck for visitors and improved bicycle paths over the Cochrane-Africatown Bridge.

Environment
The Thompson team guided local, state, and federal transportation agencies through environmental decisions dealing with the path of the projected area. The path crosses recreational areas, industrial sites, and thriving ecosystems. Teams were sent out to test the vibration effects on complex and historical structures to cut back on cost. Noise and Air test were performed to examine the impact of the vehicles. Also, experts studied ways to protect endangered species during the construction process.

Public opinion
The public voted and opposed the bridge after the proposed tolls of up to six dollars for a one-way trip.