After about nine months of construction, the Gulf Shores pedestrian bridge project is approximately 40% complete and slightly ahead of schedule.

Clint Colvin, Gulf Shores capital projects director, said the city is confident in construction being completed by the date listed in the contract, which has the project wrapping up Jan. 14, 2027.

East 2nd Street, between 24th Avenue and 23rd Avenue, is currently closed to through traffic. The intersection at 24th, between Tacky Jacks and Big Beach Brewery, remains open for east-west traffic currently.

The closure is set to last about three months while the construction is in Phase 2. Colvin said the city will provide updates to assist resident and visitor traffic flow.

"Residents should expect temporary closures and detours in the vicinity of the bridge, especially near 23rd-25th Avenues and Waterway East," Colvin said. "As construction progresses, traffic patterns will shift accordingly."

Colvin said the city appreciates the patience and cooperation of the community during this construction process.

Once completed, the project is set to provide a "safer, more connected experience for pedestrians and drivers alike."

Colvin encouraged residents to stay informed about road closure/opening dates and to use caution when walking or driving near the construction site.

CONSTRUCTION UPDATES

Construction on the south side of the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) received the first vertical concrete pour for the elevator/stair tower the week of Nov. 17. Also on this side, foundations have been poured for the bridge and towers.

For parking and streetscapes on the south side, in the 23rd-24th Avenue section, Colvin said grading and curbing work is set to begin in about a week or two, in mid-December. This is immediately following installations of utility and storm drains.

On the north side of the ICW, bridge foundation pilings have been driven and were to be completed by the end of November. Foundational installations are set to begin later this month.

For parking and streetscapes on the north side, which ranges from 25th Avenue to Waterway East, utility and storm drain installation is complete and work is set to resume after the south side is finished.

As previously reported by GCM, Gulf Shores is set to build to park spaces adjacent to the elevator/stair towers on either side of the ICW using $3.6 million in Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act (GoMESA) funds.

The city recently unanimously approved a design contract for the parks with WAS Design, the group behind the conceptual design used for the grant application.

Lee Jones, assistant city administrator, said the parks are to enhance the pedestrian bridge by improving accessibility for pedestrians and bicyclists, managing traffic flow to the pedestrian bridge elevator by providing a waiting area, providing a safe and comfortable space for those going across the bridge, fostering community engagement with the surrounding district and encouraging walking and biking among residents and visitors.