Blog Layout

Gulf Shores Pedestrian Bridge Project Advances with New Design

News Staff • September 6, 2024

Road Improvements Underway as Pedestrian Bridge Progresses

Gulf Shores Bridge News

The City of Gulf Shores has provided an update on the pedestrian bridge project over the Intracoastal Waterway, marking progress despite encountering budgetary challenges. Initially, a steel design with ramps was proposed, but it proved financially unfeasible. The revised plan, which involves a prefabricated structure without ramps, was submitted to the Alabama Department of Transportation last week. This bridge, crucial for pedestrian access as part of the Hwy 59 expansion, will enhance safety and connectivity for walkers, joggers, and cyclists. Additional roadway improvements and safety measures are also underway in the surrounding area, aimed at easing traffic and improving accessibility. The project is funded through a combination of the city's general fund and a BUILD grant from the Federal Transportation Administration. The new bid for construction is expected in October.


Pedestrian Bridge Project Update

We have entered a new phase with the pedestrian bridge project over the Intracoastal Waterway and are pleased to provide an update. While the project has encountered some challenges, we remain committed to delivering a safe, aesthetically pleasing bridge that enhances our community's connectivity and quality of life.


Current Status: Refining the Design for Affordability

The City initially went out to bid on the pedestrian bridge in late 2023 with a steel design that included ramps. However, that project came in significantly over budget. Moving forward with that expense was not feasible, so we went back to the drawing board. The new design for the bridge uses a prefabricated bridge that maintains the same high standards for safety and aesthetics. The bridge will not have ramps when it opens, but we are designing the bridge with the ability to add ramps in the future. Last week, the firm designing the project, Volkert, submitted the new plans to the Alabama Department of Transportation for review. Based on these plans, the City is on track to issue a new bid for construction in October.


Importance of the Pedestrian Bridge

The pedestrian bridge is a crucial component in expanding pedestrian access and enhancing the overall experience along the Hwy 59 corridor. With the addition of a third lane to the W.C. Holmes (HWY 59) bridge, pedestrian access will be eliminated. The pedestrian bridge offers a safe and convenient alternative for walkers, joggers, and cyclists to cross the Intracoastal Waterway. The BUILD grant partially funds this project as part of the Hwy 59 expansion project.


Traffic Rerouting and Improvements

To accommodate the pedestrian bridge and improve overall traffic flow, we are currently implementing several key changes in this area:

  • New Turn Lanes: Additional turn lanes have been constructed at the intersection of East 2nd Street and East 22nd Avenue. Final paving will take place in the next few weeks.
  • Roadway Enhancements: East 22nd Avenue is currently being resurfaced. East 24th Avenue (between East 2nd Street and East 3rd Street) and East 3rd Street (between E 22nd Avenue and East Canal Drive) will be resurfaced next week.
  • Enhanced Safety: Traffic signals will be installed at the East 2nd Street / East 22nd Avenue and East 3rd Street / East 24th Avenue intersections.
  • Pedestrian Accessibility: New sidewalks have been constructed along East 22nd Avenue, East 3rd Street, and East 24th Avenue. Final grading is currently in progress.
  • Access Maintained: While Highway 180 will be closed just past East 3rd Street, a new turnaround will ensure access to businesses and residences on East Canal Drive beyond East 3rd Street. This will be completed as the final phase of this project and will begin after a bid on the pedestrian bridge is accepted.


Frequently Asked Questions

  • Why do we need a third lane on the W.C. Holmes Bridge if the new ALDOT Bridge is being built? The expansion of Hwy 59 was already underway before the ALDOT bridge project was bid. Construction has begun, and unfortunately, the new bridge will not include pedestrian access. The third lane is necessary to accommodate projected traffic growth and improve safety.
  • How is this project being funded? This project is funded by the general fund and the BUILD Grant, which is managed through the Federal Transportation Administration. The program only funds projects aimed at improving infrastructure and connectivity. The Highway 59 Expansion Project also utilizes funds through this program.
  • How will the pedestrian bridge benefit the community? The pedestrian bridge is key to transforming The Waterway into a vibrant activity center. As Gulf Shores continues to grow, this area will become a central hub for residents and visitors to park, walk, eat, and shop. The bridge represents a major step towards creating a downtown area that showcases the best of our City.
Gulf Shores Bridge News
  • gulf shores news

    Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • news in gulf shores

    Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • port at zekes

    Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • saunders marine gulf shores

    Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • yabbas snack shack

    Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • freedom boat club orange beach

    Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • buzzcatz coffee

    Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button

Recent Posts

Gulf Shores Area Walking Tour News
By Guy Busby April 2, 2025
Foley residents and visitors will have a chance to stroll through more than a century of local history in April when Foley conducts walking tours of the downtown historic district. Foley is one of more than 20 Alabama communities conducting the tours on each Saturday of the month throughout April.
Business on the beach gulf shores news
By John Mullen April 2, 2025
In recent years people have applied for business licenses on the beach which include jet ski rentals, banana boat rides, private party catering, chair services and the never ending amount of weddings. Orange Beach will take a new city ordinance to further prohibit “commercial activity” on beaches, shorelines and waterways in the city. “There have been some business licenses that have come through recently that we needed some clarification on,” Deputy Coastal Resources Director Nicole Woerner said. “We just don’t want our beaches to be overrun and our waterways with people just selling and doing all kinds of things.”
Gulf Shores School News
By Allison Marlow April 2, 2025
Part classroom lesson, part real life problem-solving and a whole lot of rock ‘n’ roll has defined the school day for students at Foley and Gulf Shores high schools recently. The students have spent the last few months serving as the stage managers, producers, promoters, designers, artists and even the roadies who carry in the amps and guitars for the popular Reach and Teach program.
Show More
Share by: