John Cooper Archives • Alabama Political Reporter

The resilient architect of the I-10 Mobile River Bridge and Bayway Project

Alabama Department of Transportation director John Cooper deserves many accolades for his vision and steadfastness in the face of adversity.

July 15, 2024

Alabama Supreme Court won’t rehear Baldwin bridge dispute

The court rejected Baldwin Bridge Company's request to rehear the case, meaning the state can resume work on a new toll-free bridge.

September 25, 2023

Alabama Supreme Court allows construction of Intercoastal Waterway bridge to resume

The court ruled that state immunity prevents John Cooper from being sued in his official capacity when the relief sought would violate the state's contract rights.

August 25, 2023

Where will John Cooper go to get his reputation back?

A man whose job it is to build is being torn down in court and the court of public opinion.

June 13, 2023

ALDOT director charged in relation to property dispute

A personal attorney for Cooper said the charges stem from a property dispute with his neighbor.

June 13, 2023

Authorities identify Nashville RV bomber

Human tissue was found after the explosion with DNA said to be a match to Anthony Quinn Warner, age 63.

December 28, 2020

Ivey: “There is no pathway forward” for Mobile River Bridge and Bayway replacement

On Wednesday, local Baldwin County elected officials voted “effectively” to kill the Mobile River Bridge project. The Eastern Shore Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) met to vote on its Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP), which establishes the area’s transportation priorities from 2020 to 2023. For a decade, Mobile and Baldwin County officials have been asking federal and … Continued

August 29, 2019

Will an exchange between a lawmaker and ALDOT director breathe new life into I-10 Bridge?

Last week, Gov. Kay Ivey invited South Alabama lawmakers and other stakeholders to a meeting with ALDOT consultants to address questions which have surfaced over building the I-10 Mobile Bay Bridge. Much has been made of the so-called heated exchange between ALDOT Director John Cooper and freshman State Rep. Matt Simpson, R-Daphne, but an agreement … Continued

August 26, 2019

Mobile MPO temporarily takes the Mobile River bridge project off Transportation Improvement Plan

The Alabama Department of Transportation experienced yet another setback on Wednesday for its controversial plan to build a bridge of the Mobile River and replace the existing Mobile Bayway. The Mobile Metropolitan Planning Organization voted unanimously to table all items related to the construction of ALDOT’s $2.1 billion toll bridge plan. What normally would be … Continued

August 23, 2019