Constructed Marsh With Breakwaters: Mobile Bay, Alabama

The Alabama DOT considered a nature-based solution for a bridge replacement and highway realignment project across Mobile Bay, AL. The plan involved using a continuous rock revetment from the edge of the pavement down to the existing bay bottom, complemented by a nature-based solution consisting of stone breakwaters and planted marsh in front of the revetment. This approach aimed to reduce the amount of rock needed (lowering costs), mitigate storm impacts, create additional marsh habitats, and offer recreational and educational opportunities. The nature-based solution has a material cost of approximately $1.2 million, but it is cost-neutral as it reduces the revetment cost by the same amount.