I really shouldn't be telling y'all this, because once the secrets are out, they won't be as time saving anymore. Here goes, anyway--when you come to or from the North Florida or Alabama beaches NEVER take the main Mobile tunnel, unless you like going 5 mph on the Interstate. Take the lesser known Bankhead tunnel, and you'll end up on Battleship Parkway, and merge back onto I-10 after the bulk of the traffic. But the real double secret route is the new Bay Bridge Tunnel just south of Prichard. Exit 98 or I-10 depending on where you are coming from and exit I 65 N. Take I 165 S to New Bay Bridge Road which is also Hwys 90/98/16. Be SURE to exit to the Bay Bridge off I 165 or you'll just feed back into the tunnel traffic. On a map the Bridge looks like a much further route, but you are hauling *** at 50-60+ mph instead of crawling along at less than 10 mph (when you aren't fully stopped). Except on crowded holiday weekends, Bankhead tunnel is fine. NEVER take the Mobile tunnel. Personally, I like to drive to Spanish Fort before I merge back into I-10, but coming off Battleship Parkway is often OK except on Holidays. Coming back is just the reverse.
