The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) is shifting traffic ahead of the opening of the new southbound Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) Bridge in Gulf Shores.
All southbound traffic to Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Fort Morgan will be directed onto State Route 59 from May 10 to May 13 to allow the final phase of construction on the southbound lanes at the north roundabout.
“While short-term detours can be inconvenient, this is an important step toward opening a traffic pattern,” said ALDOT’s James Gordon. “The goal is a smoother trip and improved safety.”
State Route 161 will be closed to local traffic only at Coastal Gateway Boulevard. ALDOT said it will modify signal timings along State Route 59 to help move traffic.
The former toll bridge in Orange Beach will be shifted to a northbound-only bridge.
The new bridge will open in two phases. On May 10, it will be open to travel from County Road 4. On May 13, the new SR-161 connector roadway will open, allowing full access from the Beach Express.
The completed traffic pattern is expected to be in place by Memorial Day.
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