The Alabama Department of Transportation today, May 20, announced a temporary traffic control plan for the Baldwin Beach Express Bridge, effective at noon May 23 to ensure a smooth transition for motorists after the end of toll collections.

Temporary traffic plan details:

• Date of implementation: Starting at noon on May 23, 2024.
• Traffic flow: Traffic control devices will be deployed to guide drivers through the existing plaza, maintaining one lane open in each direction.
• Speed limits: Motorists are advised to adhere to reduced speed limits in the vicinity of the plaza during this period.
• Duration: The temporary traffic plan will be in place until ALDOT starts toll plaza demolition in the coming weeks.

Important notices for motorists:

• Increased traffic awareness: With the onset of summer, traffic in the area is expected to be higher. Motorists should plan for potential congestion and exercise caution.

ALDOT extends its gratitude to the community for their patience and understanding during this transition period.

Background:

According to previous reporting from Gulf Coast Media reporter Trevor Ritchie, “Gov. Kay Ivey confirmed plans for the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) and Baldwin County Bridge Company (BCBC) to meet and sign paperwork that officially transfers ownership of the Foley Beach Express to the state on Thursday, May 23, per ALDOT.

“Following the closing process, all routes to Alabama's beaches will be free at noon.

“Extensive discussions and litigation have continued for some time between ALDOT and BCBC regarding bridge development on the Intracoastal Waterway -- with ALDOT moving forward on a new toll-free bridge project roughly a mile west of the beach express along Alabama 181 in Gulf Shores, while BCBC urged officials to simply add lanes to the existing bridge and continue collecting tolls. Even the Alabama State Supreme Court got involved, overturning a preliminary injunction issued against the state bridge development in Gulf Shores by a lower court in August 2023, allowing efforts to resume.

“After the court's decision, BCBC increased the toll from $2.75 to $5. Totals across recent years show 5.58 million cars passed through the bridge in 2022, increasing to 5.67 million in 2023. Orange Beach has been collecting a flat rate of 30 cents per car, leading to a $1.67 million share of the toll in 2022 and $1.7 million in 2023, according to OBA's website. The $93,193 share taken for the month of December 2023 was Orange Beach's lowest since December 2019 ($88,034).

“ALDOT will now pay $57 million to BCBC for the bridge, send $3 million to the City of Orange Beach for road improvements and commits to widening Canal Road to five lanes between the bridges with intersection improvement at State Route 161/180. The latter two notes were both projects already in the ALDOT's State Transportation Improvement Program for 2024-2027, and these agreements will serve as a resolution in the lawsuit filed by BCBC, terminating its contract with the City of Orange Beach.”