The Baldwin County Bridge Company's (BCBC) toll bridge that takes drivers into Orange Beach is set to be sold to the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT). $57 million will go to BCBC, and $3 million will go to Orange Beach for road improvements.
The Foley Beach Express will become toll-free as soon as the sale is complete, which is expected to be in May, Gov. Kay Ivey said.
“Alabama’s Gulf Coast continues to experience record growth and success, and I am proud we are making needed infrastructure improvements in the area that will help alleviate traffic congestion for Alabamians and those visiting our beaches,” said Ivey. “I appreciate Mayor [Tony] Kennon, the Baldwin County Bridge Company, the Alabama Department of Transportation and all those involved in this agreement that will lead to significant progress for our Coastal communities.”
The bridge company has been at the center of a lawsuit against ALDOT after the state made plans to build a nearby bridge across the Intercoastal Waterway. Once that bridge is complete, it will carry southbound traffic, and the Foley Beach Express will carry northbound traffic. The route from Interstate 10 will be named State Route 161.
ALDOT will also widen Canal Drive to five lanes between the two bridges.
BCBC raised rates last fall and said it had no choice after months of court battles with ALDOT. The sale will terminate the lawsuit filed by BCBC and will mean Orange Beach will not longer receive revenue from the tolls.
“This agreement is the result of collaborative efforts between ALDOT, the City of Orange Beach and the Baldwin County Bridge Company and was made possible by the city’s willingness to forego annual financial benefits in order to achieve improved traffic flow for Orange Beach and Gulf Shores citizens and visitors,” said Mayor Kennon. “On behalf of the Orange Beach City Council, I would like to thank Governor Ivey for working with us to eliminate tolls and improve traffic flow and efficiency to and from our Alabama beaches.”
“Since 2000, the Baldwin County Bridge Company’s staff have been honored to serve the community and are proud to have provided a safe and reliable route to the beach for nearly a quarter century,” said Baldwin County Bridge Company President Neal Belitsky.
Refunds for accountholders will begin in June and will be made to the credit card on file or by an emailed check. Those refunds should be sent by June 24.
Further information related to account refunds is available at www.beachexpress.com, by calling (251) 968-3415 or via email at bexoffice@beachexpress.com.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email erica.thomas@1819news.com.
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