If you’re heading to Gulf Shores, Orange Beach or Fort Morgan after this weekend, this announcement is for you. Starting on May 10 at 7AM, southbound drivers will be routed to SR-59 via SR-308 (formerly Foley Beach Express). This detour is due to the final work being completed on Baldwin County’s new Intracoastal Waterway Bridge.
The detour, announced by ALDOT is expected to remain in place until Wed., May 13.
Here’s a run down:
- Local traffic: Allowed to continue south on SR-161 to the closure point at CR-8 (Coastal Gateway Boulevard)
- Southbound drivers: Routed to SR-59 via SR-308 (formerly Foley Beach Express)
- Motorists should expect increased traffic on SR-59 during this time
Baldwin County’s Intracoastal Waterway Bridge progress
This short detour will allow workers to finish the exciting development of the Intracoastal Waterway Bridge, which will open a new traffic pattern designed to improve traffic flow and safety on the way to the beach. This timing is crucial, as we are near peak summer travel season.
The new Intracoastal Waterway Bridge will open in phases:
- May 10: Drivers will be able to travel from County Road 4 (Cotton Creek Drive) south across the new bridge to Canal Road
- May 13: The SR-161 connector roadway will open and provide full access from the Beach Express to Canal Road using a one-way, free-flow traffic pattern
Once the bridge construction is complete, the final traffic configuration will feature:
- Two southbound lanes on the new Intracoastal Waterway Bridge
- Two northbound lanes on the former toll bridge
- Roundabouts designed to keep traffic moving with fewer delays
❓Are you excited about the new Intracoastal Waterway Bridge in Baldwin County? Let us know in the comments on Facebook, TikTok or Instagram.
