Gulf Shores needs another $1.2 million to complete the plazas for the pedestrian bridge currently under construction over the Intracoastal Waterway at the intersection of Canal Road and East Second Street.

In January, the city accepted a GOMESA grant of $3.6 million for work on the plazas, but that number has come up short, and the main contractor, Harrison Construction, is seeking a change order for $1.2 million more to complete the work.

“The current construction cost estimate for the plazas project is $4.8M,” a memo from Capital Projects Manager Gabriel Willis states.

At a work session meeting on Oct. 19 at 4 p.m., the Gulf Shores Council will discuss the change order and spending the extra money to complete the plazas. A vote on the change order will likely take place in the regular session on Oct. 26.

According to an agreement between the city, WAS Design and Harrison Construction, the change order will separate the plaza work from the main construction contract on the bridge. Gulf Shores will take the extra $1.2 million from parks and recreation impact fees and $80,000 of remaining money borrowed for construction of the bridge, city officials say.

“This requested change order covers the first phase of the pedestrian bridge plaza site work and includes improvements intended to convert the undeveloped areas surrounding the bridge into functional public spaces,” Willis’ memo states.

The change order work will include seat walls, sidewalks, retaining walls, plaza steps, concrete paving, grading, storm drainage and reinforced concrete footings.

“The work also includes modifications to existing drainage structures installed as part of the bridge project to accommodate the revised drainage layout and finished site grades associated with the plaza improvements,” Willis’ memo states.

Additionally, the city proposes to pay Harrison Construction $220,000 more for construction management services for the change order work on the plazas.

During the work session, the council will also discuss:

• Reappointing Morgan Szapiel and Sherry Hoffman to the Library Advisory Board through Nov. 1, 2030, and Councilman Jason Dyken to a term ending on Nov. 9, 2030. Also, appointing Sara Altmyer to fill the remainder of Asha Colvin’s term on the board ending on Oct. 31, 2027.

• Amending the city’s employee handbook to address “tobacco, smoking and electronic nicotine delivery systems,” relegating their use to areas designated by the city.