The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) continues to make progress on the new Intracoastal Waterway Bridge in Gulf Shores. This $52 million project is designed to ease traffic congestion in addition to improve safety in the area. A $30 million connector project to SR-161 is also underway.
Additionally, ALDOT will begin work to widen a portion of SR-180 from Beaver Creek to the current toll-free Beach Express bridge. All projects are scheduled for completion by summer 2026.
Waterway Bridge Progress
ALDOT contractor Scott Bridge Co. has made significant strides on the new Waterway SR-161 bridge over the Intracoastal Waterway. When completed, this new bridge and the existing Beach Express Bridge will provide two lanes in each direction, doubling capacity for Beach Express users. These improvements, as well as a coming BUILD grant project in the City of Gulf Shores, will increase the total lanes across the Intracoastal Waterway from seven today to ten lanes once all construction is completed.
Construction Milestones
- Site clearing: Complete.
- Roadway work: Nearing completion north of the canal; south of the canal is 50% finished.
- Paving: About 75% complete north of the canal; work south of the canal will begin once the roadway’s base is finished.
- Pile driving for the bridge substructure: 100% complete.
- Bridge superstructure: Installation of concrete girders is underway north of the canal.
Upcoming Activities
- Bridge substructure: Completion is expected soon.
- Superstructure work: Installation of girders, forming and pouring bridge decks, and constructing the barrier rail will continue.
- Traffic shift on SR 180: Traffic will be rerouted to newly constructed lanes and a roundabout.
SR-161 Connector Progress
- Right-of-way clearance: The area from County Road 4 to the first of two new bridge sites has been cleared.
- Utility work and roadway construction: Ongoing.
Looking Ahead
- SR-180 widening: The project from Beaver Creek to Beach Express Bridge is scheduled for bid in June 2025, with construction expected to begin in summer 2025. Furthermore, this project will provide additional lanes on this portion of SR-180 (Canal Road) Two-lanes of southbound traffic off the new Waterways bridge will tie into 2-lanes eastbound on SR-180.
- Holmes Bridge widening: Additionally, the City of Gulf Shores will add a third lane southbound on the Holmes Bridge on Highway 59 after the completion of the new pedestrian bridge and Highway 59 widening. As a result, this will provide six lanes total – three in each direction – to help move traffic more efficiently.
Safety and Economic Benefits
When completed, these projects will:
- Reduce congestion on Highway 59.
- Improve access to emergency services.
- Enhance safety during evacuations, particularly for hurricanes or other emergencies.
- Support economic growth by improving transportation routes.
Stay tuned to ALDOTNews.com for more updates on this important project!
