The Board of Directors of Partners for Environmental Progress (PEP) urges the Mobile and Eastern Shore Metropolitan Planning Organizations to include Phase One of the I-10 Mobile River Bridge and Bayway Improvement Plan, also known as the “truck bridge” concept to their Long-Range Transportation Plans and the Transportation Improvement Programs.
PEP’s Executive Director, Jennifer Denson, sits on the Mobile MPO’s TCC/CAC and sees firsthand the strain on our infrastructure, especially the I-10 corridor. This new plan will help alleviate traffic congestion, improve safety, and secure the $125 million federal grant awarded for the project. Plus, all existing routes will remain toll-free. Unless you, the MPOs act now, the federal money will be lost.
PEP has long supported the concept of building a new bridge and expanding the Bayway. The previous plan and chosen route would have made negligible environmental impacts. Doing nothing would have been worse for the environment. We anticipate the same for the new “truck-bridge” concept.
PEP represents 220 local industries and businesses employing more than 22,000 local citizens that rely on the efficient movement of goods and workers across the area. The continued economic growth of our region will be at risk if the I-10 corridor is not improved with a new bridge and expanded Bayway. We strongly encourage the MPOs to add this project into their Long-Range Plans and Traffic Improvement Plans.