New rail bridge over Mobile River
CSX Transportation Inc. said it has awarded $60 million contract to Scott Bridge Co. of Opelika, Ala., for the alteration of the 14-Mile Bridge over the Mobile River.
The bridge, which is named for its location on the river, will be converted from a swing span to a vertical lift bridge and will double capacity on the river, CSX said.
The existing bridge was built in 1925 and provides a 146-foot channel horizontal clearance for vessels. The alteration will improve channel horizontal clearance to 300 feet. The lift span will rise 60 feet, providing plenty of vertical clearance for barges and vessels that routinely use the waterway, the company said.
The total project cost is estimated at $72 million, which includes the construction contract to the Scott Bridge Co. The federal government is providing 94 percent of the funding and CSX 6 percent.