The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) is preparing to open the new Intracoastal Waterway Bridge in Baldwin County with a new traffic pattern designed to improve travel to Alabama’s beach communities.
To complete final construction of the two southbound lanes at the north roundabout, a temporary detour will be in place for drivers heading south on SR-161 (Beach Express).
Detour details
- When: Sunday, May 10, 2026, beginning at 7 a.m., through Wednesday, May 13, 2026
- Where: Southbound SR-161 (Beach Express)
- Detour route: Southbound island-bound traffic will be directed to SR-59 on SR-308 (formerly Foley Beach Express) for access to Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Fort Morgan. Local traffic only should proceed south on SR-161 until the closure at CR-8 (Coastal Gateway Blvd)
“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.”
Signal timings
To help mitigate as much traffic congestion as possible during the detour, ALDOT will be modifying and managing the signal timings along SR-59 to help move traffic as efficiently as possible.
Phased opening of new traffic pattern
Access to the new Intracoastal Waterway Bridge will open in two phases:
- Phase 1 — Sunday, May 10: Motorists will be able to travel from County Road 4 (Cotton Creek Drive) south across the new bridge and onto Canal Road.
- Phase 2 — Wednesday, May 13: The new SR-161 connector roadway will open, allowing full access from the Beach Express south across the new Intracoastal Waterway bridge and onto Canal Road using the one-way, free-flow traffic pattern.
New COMPLETED traffic pattern – One Way, Free-Flow – Anticipated by Memorial Day.
Once construction is completed, the updated traffic pattern will include:
- Two lanes traveling southbound across the new ICW Bridge.
- Two lanes traveling northbound across the former toll bridge.
- Roundabouts designed to keep traffic moving with fewer delays.
Safety reminder
Motorists traveling through the area are encouraged to:
- Follow posted detour signs and message boards.
- Pay attention to new traffic schemes and equipment (new signal at CR-4 intersection with SR-161 South)
- Watch for workers and equipment.
- Allow extra travel time and remain alert in the work zone.
