U.S. Transportation Secretary Foxx Announces $1 Million in Emergency Relief Funds for I-65 Bridge over Alabama's Middle River

Topics:  Interstate Highway System, Anthony Foxx

Federal Highway Administration
6 June 2014

FHWA 15-14
Thursday, June 6, 2014
Contact: Nancy Singer
Tel: 202-366-0660

WASHINGTON - U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx today announced the release of $1 million in emergency relief funds from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to the Alabama Department of Transportation for repairs to the northbound I-65 bridge over Middle River in Baldwin and Mobile Counties which was damaged by a truck fire last month.

“These funds are a down payment on our commitment to the people of Alabama,” said Secretary Foxx. “This bridge is a hurricane evacuation route for area residents, and replacing it as soon as possible will help all those who depend on it each day, as well as during an evacuation.”

On May 22, two commercial trucks collided on the bridge, forcing the shutdown of the northbound lanes. The crash resulted in extensive fire damage to the bridge deck and superstructure. One lane of the northbound bridge remains closed, leaving only one lane open to traffic.

“Emergency relief funding like this makes it possible to fast-track repairs to the bridge,” said Deputy Federal Highway Administrator Gregory Nadeau. “The people of Alabama deserve to have this critical transportation route restored as soon as possible.”

The federal funds provided today will help pay for the temporary repairs needed to quickly restore essential traffic, and begin long-term repairs on the damaged roadway.

The FHWA’s Emergency Relief program provides funds for the repair or reconstruction of roads and bridges damaged by natural disasters or catastrophic events. Under the program, ALDOT will be reimbursed for additional work until the bridge is fully repaired