Alabama’s $3.5B Bridge Project Gains Momentum With Key Contractor Move

Alabama’s ambitious Mobile River Bridge and Bayway project has taken a critical step forward as the state confirmed the selection of a major contractor to drive the development.

The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) has officially appointed Kiewit Massman Traylor (KMT) to lead construction efforts on the transformative infrastructure initiative. Already responsible for the bridge’s design and early planning stages, KMT is now accelerating its pre-construction work.

The $3.5 billion project aims to significantly reduce traffic congestion along I-10 between Mobile and Baldwin counties. It is currently the most extensive road project ever undertaken in Alabama.

Why It Matters

Currently, the George Wallace Tunnel, built to handle 35,000 vehicles daily, is overwhelmed by over 65,000 weekday commuters, resulting in major traffic bottlenecks. The new bridge and elevated Bayway structures are designed to address this problem, increasing capacity and improving long-term traffic flow.

What’s Happening

As part of the initial groundwork, KMT has kicked off a Pile Load Test Program in Mobile County. This phase will evaluate the integrity and capacity of 24-inch square precast concrete piles that will form the new bridge’s foundation. Tests will take place across six locations from May through August, operating during daylight hours.

Importantly, ALDOT emphasized that testing activities will not impact current I-10 traffic. Results from the pile load tests will ensure the construction methods and foundation design meet rigorous engineering standards.

The project’s scope includes a six-lane cable-stayed bridge over the Mobile River and complete replacement of the Bayway bridges. These new structures will be elevated to withstand a 100-year storm surge, improving resilience and safety. Seven interchanges on I-10 will also be reconstructed or modified, and modern features like electronic tolling and intelligent transportation systems are set to be integrated.

What’s Next

Finalizing a federal TIFIA loan and agreeing on a guaranteed maximum price are the next crucial steps before construction officially begins. ALDOT remains in active discussions with the U.S. Department of Transportation to secure the necessary approvals.

In a press statement, ALDOT Chief Engineer Ed Austin praised the contractor’s progress, “This is an important and positive development for the Mobile River Bridge and Bayway project. Kiewit Massman Traylor and their team are hitting the ground running as they take over this portion of the project.”

If all conditions align, ALDOT aims to begin major construction before the end of 2025.