With Fourth of July traffic in full force on Alabama's coast, local leaders are taking notes as they see how a new traffic pattern and a new bridge are faring.
Gulf Shores Mayor Robert Craft already voiced concerns about the southbound-only bridge over the Intracoastal Waterway. He told 1819 News earlier this week that he wanted to see the bridge converted into a two-way bridge, and he believed that would happen after Alabama elects a new governor who will likely appoint a new Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) director.
Along with the new bridge, ALDOT converted the existing bridge near The Wharf in Orange Beach to a northbound-only bridge.
Orange Beach Mayor Tony Kennon said the new bridge has helped with traffic, but he agreed some issues need to be addressed. He is sticking to his opinion that a second bridge needs to be built by The Wharf with local, state and federal dollars. He said he agreed with Craft that a new governor and ALDOT director could be the ticket.
"I 100% agree with Mayor Craft that a new ALDOT director will actually listen to the people who live here and deal with the traffic," Kennon told 1819 News. "We absolutely have something valid to say, and we need someone to listen instead of looking at us like we're a bunch of dumb hicks. So, I'm looking forward to the new governor and a new ALDOT director because then I think we can get some things done."
RELATED: 'We're struggling': Gulf Shores mayor wants new ICW bridge converted to two-way
Kennon said regional ALDOT engineers have been helpful during the transition to the new traffic pattern, but he has not heard from Director John Cooper. Both Kennon and Craft said they wanted both bridges to remain two-way to prevent bottlenecks elsewhere.
"In my mind, I think he [Cooper] had his mind made up, and no matter what we said, he was not going to change it," said Kennon. "… He had no intention of making a change no matter what case we presented."
1819 News reached out to ALDOT to find out if there are any planned changes for the traffic pattern in South Baldwin County.
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