GULF SHORES, Ala. (WKRG) — After two years of construction, the new bridge over the Intracoastal Waterway in south Baldwin County could be open to traffic by Memorial Day weekend.
“Just as soon as they can start helping and continue to alleviate traffic on these different arteries, this new bridge will help do that, and we’re excited about that,” said Gulf Shores spokesman Grant Brown.
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The $52 million bridge project is designed to keep traffic flowing, carrying two lanes of southbound traffic from Foley Beach Express to Canal Road. Both lanes of the current bridge at the Wharf will carry traffic north.
ALDOT said the bridge project was designed to increase capacity and get people to their destinations more quickly. That remains to be seen as other supporting projects will still be ongoing after the new bridge opens.
The traffic circle on Foley Beach Express will not open right away, and a project to widen Canal Road from the new bridge to The Wharf will not be completed.
Orange Beach Mayor Tony Kennon said he would prefer ALDOT open the bridge after all of those connector projects are finished.
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“I would encourage all motorists to watch those message boards on the side of the road when they talk about new traffic patterns, and signage will go in place. it will be a little bit different,” said Brown.
The bridge is on track to open this summer with a target date of Memorial Day weekend. “It could be a little bit interesting, particularly if it happens on a big holiday weekend, Memorial Day weekend. Now, you have the volume that you have to deal with instead of a softer opening,” added Brown…