Build the Bridge
Congressman Bradley Byrne (AL-1) has long been an advocated of a new I-10 bridge over the Mobile River. Anyone who has driven in and around Mobile during rush hour, especially on a Friday as many people head to the beach, knows just how bad traffic can get. This traffic congestion is about more than public safety and quality of life; it’s about having an effective transportation system that allows for economic development and growth in our area.
The I-10 project has been more than ten years in the making, facing numerous obstacles and unnecessary delays. Most recently, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) dragged its feet in releasing a draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), going as far as blaming the Postal Service and "consulating parities" for the long delay. Congressman Byrne finally put his foot down and said enough is enough. The very next day the FHWA finally released the draft EIS.
The process has now moved 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: “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.”
Public Meetings
Tuesday, September 23, 2014
4 p.m. until 8 p.m., Forum start at 5:30 p.m.
Alabama Cruise Terminal
201 S. Water Street
Mobile, AL 36602
http://www.shipmobile.com
Monday, September 29, 2014
4 p.m. until 8 p.m., Forum start at 5:30 p.m.
Five Rivers Delta Resource Center
30945 Five Rivers Blvd, Spanish Fort, AL 36527
http://www.outdooralabama.com/outdoor-adventures/5rivers/
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