ALDOT holds meeting on I-10 interchange modifications

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - The Alabama Department of Transportation held a public involvement on the proposed I-10 interchange modification from Texas Street to West Tunnel Entrance in Mobile.

ALDOT wants to eliminate bridges and ramps and build ground-level interchanges in that area.

"The entrance ramp to the tunnel, they are moving it back to Canal Street. So right now there is a sharp radius. People are slowing down getting into the tunnel. What this will provide when they move it, people will be able to go up to speed before they enter the tunnel,” said Director of Transportation Planning, Kevin Harrison.

Officials say nearly 70,000 drivers pass through the George Wallace tunnel everyday and at least 60 accidents a year happen in that area.  

Mobile residents attended the meeting to see what ALDOT plans to do with the roadway.

"I’m very interested in the traffic moving thought the George Wallace tunnel. We've had hang-ups there in the past, and we've had a lot of accidents because in the initial design the curve was a little too tight,” said long time Mobile resident Robert Edington.

The proposed plans were shown to dozens on a large-scale aerial photograph. Some residents showed up to the meeting because they wanted to see what was on the drawing board.

"I just wanted to see what it was about, what type of people would show up and who really cares about Mobile like I do,” said Midtown resident Matt Blackerby.

Officials said they will be paying attention to people's suggestions.

"We’ll listen to them a lot of times the public has a good idea and we will listen and incorporate it into our plans,” said Engineer, Vince Calametti.

According to officials, 80 percent of the funding is slated to come from federal dollars. The rest will have to come from the state.