Alabama Lt. Governor Will Ainsworth has come out against a toll on the proposed Mobile River Bridge and bayway. Ainsworth is the latest in a growing number of local politicians who have come out against tolling I-10. The Lt. Governor sits on the Alabama Toll Road, Bridge, and Tunnel Authority, which has a big meeting on the bridge scheduled for October 7th.
Ainsworth made his announcement via social media. In the video, he decried the cost to local families that use the bridge for their daily commute. He also cited the tolling of the already paid for Wallace Tunnel as making an outrageous situation worse.
The plan is still supported by Governor Kay Ivey and ALDOT director John Cooper, who both also sit on the toll authority. They claim that the bridge is needed to alleviate traffic congestion that will only get worse in the coming years. They also claim that the project can not be completed without a toll.
Other members of the toll authority include Jo Bonner, Greg Albritton, Kelly Butler, Steve Clouse, Liz Filmore, and Mac McCutcheon.
Most would agree a new bridge over the Mobile River is needed. The Wallace Tunnel is one of the biggest reasons traffic backs up along the bayway. A new bayway with more lines would be appreciated as well. However, as I pointed out in an editorial yesterday, there are numerous reasons the project should not be tolled.