Byrne: Big Step Forward for I-10 Mobile River Bridge

Congressman Bradley Byrne (AL-1) today applauded the release of the draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) on the I-10 Mobile River bridge project.

Congressman Byrne yesterday decried the continued delays in releasing the EIS and urged the Federal Highway Administration to stop delaying so the process could move forward. With the draft EIS signed, the process now can move forward.

The process now moves to a public comment and public meeting period, where all individuals in the community can weigh in on prospective bridge decisions and components. There will then be a “final record” process in which all information gained during the comment period will be accessed and incorporated into design plans.

Byrne said in a video statement: “I am thrilled to report that the long awaited draft Environmental Impact Statement on the proposed I-10 Mobile River Bridge has been signed by the Federal Highway Administration.

“This step has been almost ten years in the making, and it represents a significant breakthrough in the process of getting a bridge built. I appreciate the efforts of the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce, Mike Lee, Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson, Governor Bentley, the Alabama Department of Transportation, the Federal Highway Administration and all of those involved in helping us move this process forward.

“As both sides of Mobile Bay continue to grow and new businesses relocate to our community, it is critical that the I-10 system is capable of handling the increased amount of traffic back and forth across the bay. This stretch of the I-10 highway is the number one chokepoint from coast to coast.

“With the draft environmental impact statement complete, I know other challenges await, but I am hopeful that the process will continue to move forward in an expeditious manner. I’ll continue to be a positive, proactive voice bringing our community together in pursuit of this common goal that we share.”

The draft EIS will be available at the following locations:

Alabama Department of Transportation – Mobile Office
Ben May Main Library (downtown Mobile)
Mobile MPO
Offices of the City of Mobile
Offices of Mobile County
Mobile Chamber of Commerce
Texas Street Community Center
Spanish Fort City Hall
Daphne City Hall
Fairhope City Hall
Baldwin County Fairhope Satellite Courthouse Commission Office