The economics of the resurrected proposal for the I-10 service road in Daphne has many Baldwin County taxpayers seriously concerned in this period of severe economic belt-tightening.

The Alabama Department of Transportation estimated in 2009 that the cost to build this road would be $8 million. The proposal would add a fourth connector road between Bass Pro Shops in Spanish Fort Town Center and the Eastern Shore Centre. The road would be 2.6 miles long and include two bridges, one 240 feet long and the other 200 feet. It would link to Woodrow Lane, which continues to Highway 181.

Is there a need for a fourth road to link Bass Pro Shops with the Eastern Shore Centre? Currently the three highways that connect these two shopping centers are U.S. 31, I-10 and U.S. 90 (which is effectively a south service road). U.S. 31 is being enlarged to five lanes and I-10 has four lanes.

I recently checked the mileage and travel time between the two shopping centers using the three existing routes, beginning at the entrance to the Eastern Shore Centre on Highway 181 and traveling to Bass Pro Shops. The U.S. 31 route was 5 miles and required nine minutes’ travel time (nine traffic lights en route). Traveling by way of U.S. 90 was also 5 miles and required 10 minutes’ travel time (10 traffic lights). The I-10 route was 4.3 miles and required six minutes’ travel time (four traffic lights).

If the north I-10 service road is built, it would be about the same mileage as the I-10 route — or 4.3 miles — but undoubtedly eventually would have several traffic lights. Plus, because it would be a two-lane road, speed limits would be lower. Thus travel time between the centers would probably be less if you traveled by I-10.

Even though construction costs may be lower in this slow construction period, the final cost of the proposed service road may actually end up higher than the estimated $8 million.

Why?

Some more up-to-date construction measures are being considered by Baldwin County Commissioners James, Dorsey and Burt, who voted to resurrect the road. They hope to reduce the road’s stormwater runoff and reduce erosion of the road right-of-way. They also plan to dredge the sandy soil build-up in Lake Forest Lake and use it in the road construction. While the dredging could have a beneficial side effect of reducing flooding in Lake Forest, an engineer estimated that it would probably cost an additional $4 million just to dredge the lake. Engineer John W. Steadman also advised that the sandy soil would be unsuitable for road construction.

The same commissioners — James, Dorsey and Burt — claim that the service road would help the economy by “improving” travel between the two shopping centers. Where is the economic impact study that supports this claim? And, if true, whose economy would be improved? If built, wouldn’t this north I-10 service road route customers away from the Jubilee mall immediately south of I-10?

Wouldn’t it likewise route customers away from businesses along U.S. 31, U.S. 90 and U.S. 98?

An incalculable cost is the impact of the increased amount of polluted stormwater runoff and eroded soils that will flow into Mobile Bay from the road and associated new development in the area. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is responsible for making a determination about the water-quality effects associated with the proposed road.

Upon closer analysis, it appears there would be a substantial economic benefit for two developers who own 141 acres of undeveloped property along the proposed north I-10 service road corridor.

In April 2010, the Daphne City Council withdrew support for the service road and withdrew $1 million set-aside for this project. Baldwin County’s Commission followed suit and voted not to build the service road. This was influenced by Mobile Infirmary abandoning plans to build a new hospital along the proposed North I-10 Service Road when they purchased Thomas Hospital. Then, on November 10, 2010 the newly elected Commission reversed the County’s position and voted to reconsider the Service Road. During that Commission meeting citizens attending testified strongly in opposition to reauthorization of the road. Later on Nov. 15 the Daphne City Council voted a second time to oppose the road and not to support it financially or in any other way. The location of this proposed north I-10 service road is largely within the city limits of Daphne.

It seems to be the ultimate contradiction for the Baldwin County Commission to vote to consider spending an estimated $8-plus million for a fourth road going to the same places as the other three. This appears to be a “stab in the backs” of Baldwin citizens who voted overwhelmingly in the recent election against most sorts of tax increases. Spending $8-plus million for an unneeded road may not be a “tax” but it will certainly be considered a misuse of tax dollars by many Baldwin County taxpayers.

Chester McConnell is a resident of TimberCreek in Daphne who serves as vice president and conservation chairman of the Mobile Bay Audubon Society.