Gulf Shores has entered a new phase with the pedestrian bridge project poised to connect Waterway Village around Tacky Jack's to the north around LuLu's over the Intracoastal Waterway.

A change in the design has been made because of rising costs for construction projects.  When the city initially went out to bid late last year, the steel design included ramps. However, that project came in “significantly over budget,” the city wrote in a project update Thursday.

The new design, a prefabricated bridge, will not have ramps but is being designed for the ability to add them. The firm designing the project, Volkert, submitted the new plans to the Alabama Department of Transportation for review last week, and the city says it is on track to issue a new bid for construction in October.

“The pedestrian bridge is a crucial component in expanding pedestrian access and enhancing the overall experience along the Hwy. 59 corridor. With the addition of a third lane to the W.C. Holmes (Hwy. 59) bridge, pedestrian access will be eliminated. The pedestrian bridge offers a safe and convenient alternative for walkers, joggers and cyclists to cross the Intracoastal Waterway,” the city wrote.

The Hwy. 59 bridge expansion was already underway before the ALDOT bridge project was bid and did not include pedestrian access.

The pedestrian bridge project is funded by the city’s general fund and the BUILD Grant, which is managed through the Federal Transportation Administration. The program only funds projects aimed at improving infrastructure and connectivity. The Hwy. 59 expansion project also is using funds through this program.

“The pedestrian bridge is key to transforming The Waterway into a vibrant activity center,” the city wrote. “As Gulf Shores continues to grow, this area will become a central hub for residents and visitors to park, walk, eat and shop. The bridge represents a major step toward creating a downtown area that showcases the best of our city.”

Traffic rerouting and improvements

To accommodate the pedestrian bridge and address overall traffic flow, the city is implementing several key changes in this area:

• New turn lanes: Additional turn lanes have been constructed at the intersection of East 2nd Street and East 22nd Avenue. Final paving will take place in the next few weeks.
• Roadway resurfacing: East 22nd Avenue is currently being resurfaced. East 24th Avenue (between East 2nd Street and East 3rd Street) and East 3rd Street (between East 22nd Avenue and East Canal Drive) will be resurfaced next week.
• Traffic signals: Traffic signals will be installed at the East 2nd Street / East 22nd Avenue and East 3rd Street / East 24th Avenue intersections.
• Pedestrian accessibility: New sidewalks have been constructed along East 22nd Avenue, East 3rd Street and East 24th Avenue. Final grading is in progress.
• Access to Canal Drive: While Highway 180 will be closed just past East 3rd Street, a new turnaround will ensure access to businesses and residences on East Canal Drive beyond East 3rd Street. This will be completed as the final phase of this project and will begin after a bid on the pedestrian bridge is accepted.

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