The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT), alongside the chairmen of the Eastern Shore Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) and the Mobile Metropolitan Planning Organization, announced in a news release on April 5 a decision to embark on a 60-day review period to explore cost-saving alternatives for the construction of the Mobile River Bridge and Bayway, aiming to mitigate the impacts of inflation.

The estimated cost for the Mobile River Bridge and Bayway project currently stands between $2.8 to $3.5 billion, reflecting significant increases in construction, material and labor prices since 2020.

“We all hoped that the next significant step would be the setting of a timeline for moving to construction within the 2024 calendar year. However, all the information accumulated at this point has convinced us of the need for deeper review and study. This review period will take at least 60 days before we can determine the next steps forward,” said ALDOT Chief Engineer Ed Austin. “During this period, ALDOT plans to assess and refine the latest construction cost estimates, the cost and method of long-term financing, current market forces, the potential for identifying additional funding to include federal funding, and other options.” 

Mobile MPO Chair Sandy Stimpson added, “This project has made tremendous progress since 2019. Construction is nearly shovel ready. That said, this project – like other construction projects around the country – faces the headwinds of inflation and interest rates. It is a wise choice for ALDOT to take time to refine cost estimates and look at additional funding options.”

Substantial progress has been achieved since December 2021, when the MPOs jointly adopted a framework calling for ALDOT to construct a six-lane Mobile River Bridge and a new Bayway, alongside related interchanges in Baldwin and Mobile counties. Additionally, the causeway, the Wallace and Bankhead tunnels and the Africatown Bridge are expected to remain toll-free, with tolls on the new infrastructure capped at $2.50 for passenger vehicles.

“This is a vital project for south Alabama, the state and the region,” said Eastern Shore MPO Chair Jack Burrell. “We have to get it right and build it in a fiscally responsible manner. I am frustrated with the lack of additional federal funding, and I am frustrated that inflation and interest rates remain high. ALDOT is making the right decision to drill down as much as possible to keep this project on track and within the framework.”

At present, design-build contractors have been selected, archaeological surveys completed, design and geotechnical work initiated, and all right-of-way acquired.

“The leadership shown by local officials has been outstanding,” Austin said. “It has allowed for significant progress to be made. But between increases in inflation and interest rates, it is frustrating but not surprising that project estimates are rising. Every major construction project in the country is being affected by economic factors, so it makes sense to work with local officials and explore potential cost-saving measures. We look forward to continuing our close and productive partnership.”