MONTGOMERY, Alabama, April, 2008—In an effort to enhance watershed protection on its US 98 project, the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) has decided to construct a 1,440 foot bridge 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 current estimate for the bridge is $9.3 million.

“The initial plan was to build extensive embankments, as well as some underwater embankments to guide water flow to the existing bridge,” said Tony Harris, Special Assistant to the Transportation Director, ALDOT’s Governmental Relations Manager. “However, after review, it was determined an extension of the bridge would have less impact on Big Creek Lake and the surrounding wetlands.”

Harris said 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.

It is estimated construction of the bridge will take between 12 and 18 months.

To minimize additional construction delays, ALDOT will accelerate its process of selecting a contractor to perform the work.

“One topic we heard repeatedly in our community meeting in Wilmer was completing the highway as soon as possible,” Harris said.

He said ALDOT has developed a comprehensive web site (www.safe98.org) where anyone can go for the latest project information and progress reports, as well as a toll-free hotline (866-253-8864) to get answers to any questions they may have about the project. In addition, the department is creating a community outreach group to discuss questions and input from local volunteers related to the US 98 project.

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