General

Considering the time delays and costs, wouldn’t widening the existing 98 been better use of taxpayer money?

Widening the existing 98 as opposed to designing a separate route was studied thoroughly prior to the project’s approval. It was determined then that widening 98 would fail to remove logging trucks and other commercial traffic from the residentially dense area. In fact, it is likely that widening the current 98 would have led to greater traffic and congestion in the future. It would have also created problems for local businesses, churches, and other property owners.

How is ALDOT communicating with area residents regarding this project?

We are holding community meetings to provide information and answer questions. Using an open format, we are allowing questions from everyone involved in the process. In June 2008, we formed a Community Outreach Group comprised of volunteers from the community which play an active role in the construction phase. This web site contains updated information on the project and community information. We have a toll-free telephone number to serve as a community hotline to answer questions.

How is current work being inspected?

We’re voluntarily submitting site inspection reports to ADEM weekly, as well as qualified rainfall events. Those in charge of the project are environmental and storm water experts who have been instructed to closely monitor the project.

How is MAWSS involved in the project?

We consider the Mobile Area Water and Sewer System to be a partner in this effort. Since the very beginning MAWSS has been involved in the project and we are still working closely with them and their environmental engineers. One of the members of our Community Outreach Group works for MAWSS.

How much does an average mile of four lane road cost and how would this compare to 98?

The average cost of one mile of four lane road is about five million dollars. While this is an average of the department’s cost, it is nearly impossible to define what an average road would be. With its environmental and topography challenges, alternate 98 certainly isn’t an average road. And, the widening of the existing 98 would not be considered average either.

How much will this project cost?

The full project is estimated to cost between $85 and $100 million. We will not have a final cost until all environmental and design issues are identified. We are committed to constructing the highway in a safe and efficient manner, and complying with environmental requirements.

What happened to the area’s gopher tortoises?

Tortoises were relocated to a 600 acre, secure habitat ALDOT previously purchased for this specific purpose. A fence along right-of-way lines will help prevent remaining tortoises from venturing into harm’s way. ALDOT has received national environmental awards for its wildlife preservation efforts.

When is the entire highway to be completed?

The entire project has been divided into four parts. It is difficult to determine the completion date of the total project until all environmental and design issues have been fully identified and addressed. However, we can say that approximately 80 percent of the current project is completed as of February 2007.

Why does ALDOT refuse to have a comprehensive environmental impact study performed for this project?

An EIS is not required for this project, but rather an environmental assessment was required and completed prior to any construction. In completing the assessment, ALDOT exceeded all state and federal standards. ALDOT did every component of a full EIS except the extended public comment period.

Why was the bridge over Big Creek Lake extended?

In an effort to enhance watershed protection on its US 98 project, ALDOT decided to extend the existing bridge another 1,440 feet over Big Creek. Stretching eastward from the existing bridge, it will replace the original plan which called for construction of dirt embankments to support the road-bed in that section of the new highway. The new bridge has gained the support of the Mobile Area Water and Sewer System. The initial plan was to build extensive embankments, as well as some underwater embankments to guide water flow to the existing bridge. However, after review, it was determined an extension of the bridge would have less impact on Big Creek Lake and the surrounding wetlands. The bridge offers several benefits compared to the original embankment design such as a more natural habitat, improved drainage, as well as a shortened completion date for this segment of the project.