Gulf Shores – The Gulf Shores City Council agenda for its May 15, work session includes a request for the closure of W. 1st St. for the imminent construction of an Embassy Suites hotel.

The request comes from the contractor, Suites, Robins and Morton.

Gulf Coast Media previously reported that the six-times postponed project is scheduled to get underway any day. According to the meeting’s agenda, the project is scheduled to begin June 1.

Robins and Morton is requesting the closure of W. 1st St. between West Beach Boulevard for approximately 24 months. The closed street is to be used as a laydown area during construction and a safe corridor to the neighboring site for the storage of materials. The closed street will eventually be elevated to meet the entrance of the new structure.

The agenda item also included a map indicating safeguards for pedestrian traffic, signage and construction traffic flow. The information provided indicated:

• The western sidewalk along W. 1st St. would remain open for pedestrians when the neighboring lot is not being used for storage.
• Pedestrians will be directed to use W. 2nd St. or Gulf Shores Parkway when the W. 1st St. sidewalk is not available.
• Barriers will be added between the site and W. 1st Ave. for east and west pedestrian traffic on the north side of the side.

Gulf Shores City Council work sessions are open to the public and offer residents an opportunity to voice concerns or comment on agenda items. Council will vote on the street closure request at its regular council session Monday, May 22, at 5 p.m.

For more information on Gulf Shores City Council meetings, visit gulfshoresal.gov.