Updates were approved this week regarding access routes to the 25-mile Baldwin Beach Express II that will connect Interstate 10 to Interstate 65 through Baldwin County.
The Baldwin County …
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Updates were approved this week regarding access routes to the 25-mile Baldwin Beach Express II that will connect Interstate 10 to Interstate 65 through Baldwin County.
The Baldwin County Commission adopted the updated Baldwin Beach Express II Access Management Plan during its Jan. 20 meeting, following a previous decision authorizing right-of-way acquisition along the southern portion of the corridor near I-10 for the proposed transportation corridor.
The multi-lane divided highway is intended to link three U.S. routes, relieve regional congestion, improve emergency evacuation routes and support long-term infrastructure planning in Baldwin County.
Baldwin County Engineer Frank Lundy called the adoption of the updated plan a milestone for the county.
“This project will allow better access for property owners and better traffic flow,” Lundy said. “It’s very important for planning and growth in Baldwin County as we continue to grow while preserving the character of the roadway.”
Under the updated plan, access along the corridor will be more limited and consistent to maintain traffic flow and improve safety. Most major intersections will feature grade-separated interchanges, allowing vehicles to enter and exit without disrupting traffic. Minor intersections and individual properties will be limited to right-in/right-out access.
The only traffic signal planned along the corridor will be at County Road 68, north of I-10. Directional median openings will be placed at select locations to allow safe U-turns and reduce crash risks.
Planned grade-separated interchange locations include:
County officials said the previous access management plan, developed nearly a decade ago, did not fully account for current roadway standards, existing roads or projected growth. The updated plan reflects modern design practices and is intended to support safer, more efficient travel along the corridor for years to come.
Gabriella Chavez is a Report for America corps member who writes about growth and development in Baldwin County and our natural spaces for Gulf Coast Media. Your donation to match our RFA grant helps keep her writing stories like this one; please consider making a tax-deductible gift of any amount today by visiting https://tinyurl.com/yaf8yf5n.
