Baldwin County, Ala. — (GSN) — As the Alabama Gulf Coast continues to cement its reputation as a premier vacation destination, the proposed expansion of the I-10 bridge and Bayway system stands as a critical investment in the region’s long-term accessibility.

For the millions of annual visitors drawn to the pristine beaches of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, this infrastructure project represents more than just concrete and steel; it is a vital step toward alleviating the persistent traffic bottlenecks that currently strain the gateway to our coastline. By streamlining the commute across Mobile Bay, the modernized corridor promises to safeguard the coastal tourism economy, ensuring that the journey to our shores becomes as efficient and stress-free as the vacation itself.

ALDOT has raised the budgeted tolls:

ALDOT spokesperson Tony Harris told local journalist that the revised tolling standard, ALGO Pass, will mean commuters pay $3 per trip instead of the $7.70 toll for those without the pass. The purpose is to encourage the use of the ALGO Pass, and the $7.70 will be for "infrequent users with interoperable transponders from other state tolling systems."



"The $3 per trip ALGO Pass rate is an increase from the $2.50 rate expected in 2022," Harris added.

Harris clarified that reported proposals referencing a $6 toll in 2019 reflected a $3 to $6 range disclosed by ALDOT. At the time, Harris said ALDOT predicted a toll on the lower end of that estimate, which was set at a maximum of $6 for planning purposes.

"Reports in 2019 often referenced a $6 toll, a figure that represented a disclosed range of $3 up to a maximum of $6 for planning purposes under the financing model being considered at the time – not the rate ultimately expected for frequent users," Harris explained. "By the time in 2021 when the MPOs asked for project development efforts to continue, we had come to believe the toll could have been as low as $2.50. That was the starting point in 2021 and 2022 when project development efforts got started again."

In 2022, a plan was unveiled with an estimated monthly unlimited-use option for $40. That price has now been increased to $60.

The first phase of the project is estimated to cost $3.2 billion and is expected to begin this year. The plan is to keep the existing free routes, the Wallace Tunnel, Bankhead Tunnel, the Causeway and the Africatown Bridge open without a toll. Plans include constructing a new Bayway as additional funding becomes available.

Gov. Kay Ivey said the investment will strengthen the economy and improve safety.