GULF SHORES — The new bridge over the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) in south Baldwin County is taking shape one year after Scott Bridge Company resumed work.
The company was shut down for five months last year while a legal battle between the Baldwin County Bridge Company (BCBC) and the Alabama Department of Transportation (ADLOT) took center stage in court. The BCBC said the new ALDOT bridge would put their toll bridge out of business. The company has since sold the toll bridge to ALDOT, settling the lawsuit and ending tolls for drivers.
However, the delay cost Scott Bridge Company time and money.
"We've been back to work now for about a year," Scott said. "When the legal issues were settled, we were technically able to start gearing back up around the end of September, but it took several weeks to get all our people back in there and get other equipment and get materials back going again."
"The whole time, we had to be ready to do just that, but we also were trying to minimize the financial damages that were caused by the delay," he said. "But in this last year, we didn't get to enjoy the summer weather work of the previous summer and so naturally, doing that same work during the winter, we did lose a good bit of time."
Still, progress on the bridge is visible. Only one more pier must be constructed on the south side of the canal, and some of the decking on the north side of the canal has been formed. When the main pier is completed, the structural steel will be erected. The steel has been entirely fabricated and has been in storage for six months.
Scott estimates the steel structures will be installed around the first of the year.
"I'm pleased right now with our progress under the circumstances and the delay that, unfortunately, we were caught up in," Scott added. "But I'm optimistic and praying for a mild winter."
The expected date of completion of the bridge is Spring of 2026.
Earlier this year, ALDOT revealed the plan is to make the new bridge southbound-only and make the former toll bridge in Orange Beach northbound-only. After some local disagreement on those plans, ALDOT said the plan was preliminary and could be changed.
However, Scott said his company has received revised plans.
"We have been instructed by the Department to make changes to the cul-de-sac on the south side and other changes on our design to accommodate a one-way bridge south," Scott explained.
The original bid on the bridge was $51 million, but due to quantity overruns, Scott expects a 2% to 3% increase.
Meanwhile, Scott Bridge Company is helping the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association in Boone, N.C. on a culvert-style bridge.
"A number of their staff lost their homes completely and others were cut off," Scott told 1819 News. "Many, many people were cut off because culverts and bridges, like 150 of them, are gone. I mean, just totally wiped out.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email erica.thomas@1819news.com.
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