# USDOT Grants Alabama $2.52B Loan for Mobile Bridge

The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) has approved a **$2.52 billion Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) loan** to the Alabama Toll Road, Bridge and Tunnel Authority to fund the first phase of the Mobile River Bridge and Bayway Project. This marks a critical financing milestone enabling construction to begin on October 1, 2026, for one of Alabama's largest infrastructure projects. The initiative includes building a new six-lane cable-stayed bridge and expanding capacity on the existing Bayway to improve traffic flow, freight movement, and safety across Mobile Bay. The project is funded through a combination of this federal loan, federal grants totaling over $675 million, and state and bond financing. Tolling will be implemented to repay the loan over time.

- **Why this matters:** Procurement professionals should note the scale and complexity of this multi-year, multi-billion-dollar infrastructure project, which will generate significant contracting opportunities in construction, engineering, and toll operations.
- The involvement of multiple federal and state agencies, including USDOT, ALDOT, and the Alabama Toll Road Authority, highlights the importance of coordinated procurement and compliance with federal loan and grant requirements.
- Contractors and suppliers should prepare for upcoming solicitations related to bridge construction, roadway restriping, and toll system implementation starting in late 2026.
- This project exemplifies the use of TIFIA loans combined with grants and bonds to finance large transportation infrastructure, signaling potential models for future state and local projects seeking federal support.

**Jurisdictions:** federal, sled
**Industries:** Construction & Infrastructure, Transportation
**Topics:** Physical Infrastructure, Grants & Funding
**Published:** September 22, 2026

### Government Entities
- U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT)
- Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT)
- Alabama Toll Road, Bridge and Tunnel Authority
- Build America Bureau
- U.S. Senate

### Key Quotes
> This is the point where years of planning become construction. The financing is in place, the construction price is established, and we’re ready to build. The support and flexibility provided at the federal level have been extraordinary and were essential to getting us here.
> — John Cooper, Transportation Director

> This major infrastructure investment in Alabama’s Gulf Coast will make monumental improvements for travel and commerce across the region. This advancement marks the final piece needed for the decades-awaited Mobile River Bridge and Bayway project. Once it is completed, this project will finally alleviate our traffic gridlock across Mobile Bay.
> — Kay Ivey, Governor

> The Mobile River Bridge and Bayway project will ease traffic congestion, boost the flow of freight, and enhance safety for drivers.
> — Sean Duffy, U.S. Transportation Secretary

### Sources
- [Mobile Alabama bridge project secures $2.52 billion federal loan, construction and tolls near - al.com](https://www.al.com/news/2026/09/mobile-river-bridge-project-secures-252-billion-federal-loan-construction-nears.html) - AL.com
- [USDOT grants Alabama $2.5B loan for Mobile River Bridge and Bayway Project](https://www.alreporter.com/2026/09/22/usdot-grants-alabama-2-5b-loan-for-mobile-river-bridge-and-bayway-project) - Alabama Political Reporter
- [Construction on Alabama’s Mobile River Bridge and Bayway project to begin in Oct. - Transportation Today](https://transportationtodaynews.com/news/38785-construction-on-alabamas-mobile-river-bridge-and-bayway-project-to-begin-in-oct) - Transportation Today