Construction to Begin on Waterway Village Pedestrian Bridge, New Traffic Pattern Goes Into Effect March 10
GULF SHORES AL.
March 1, 2025
The City of Gulf Shores has issued the notice to proceed to Harrison Construction for the Waterway Village Pedestrian Bridge project, with traffic pattern changes set to begin March 10, 2025.
The new pedestrian bridge is an essential component of the Highway 59 Expansion Project, which is currently underway. The expansion project includes the addition of a third southbound lane, which will eliminate all pedestrian access across the Intracoastal Waterway via the W.C. Holmes Bridge.
This dedicated pedestrian crossing will ensure continued safe access across the waterway for residents and visitors. “With construction moving forward, we want to ensure our residents are well-informed about upcoming traffic changes that will affect their daily routines,” said Mayor Robert Craft. “These modifications will ultimately create a more efficient and safer transportation network for our community.”
Important Traffic Pattern Changes Beginning March 10:
Access to East 2nd Street from Canal Road (State Highway 180) will be permanently closed. Motorists will now be directed to use East 3rd Street and East 22nd Avenue to access Highway 180.
Additional access points to Highway 180 will be available via East 24th and East 23rd Avenues.
To enhance traffic safety, a new stop sign will be installed at East 3rd Street and East Canal Rd. New traffic signals have also been installed at the intersections of East 24th Avenue/East 3rd Street and East 22nd Avenue/East 2nd Street.
These signals are currently in flash mode and will become fully operational during the week of March 3.
Pedestrian Connectivity Rising 75 feet above the water to meet U.S. Army Corps of Engineers requirements, the bridge will feature twin towers with large capacity elevators capable of simultaneously accommodating multiple cyclists and pedestrians.
Each tower will include approximately 144 stairs, and the project encompasses plaza developments and streetscape improvements on both sides of the Intracoastal Waterway.
When completed, the bridge will establish seamless pedestrian connectivity from the beach all the way to Cotton Creek Drive, transforming the area into a walkable destination for both residents and visitors. Developing a Second Coast
The pedestrian bridge represents a crucial element in the city’s vision for continuing the development of The Waterway as Gulf Shores’ vibrant second coast.
The project includes new plaza developments that will create gathering spaces for community events and additional parking on East 2nd Street, supporting local businesses by improving accessibility to shops and restaurants in the area.
“This bridge is more than just a crossing – it’s the cornerstone of our vision for The Waterway Village District. We already have fantastic establishments that have made this area a wonderful destination. As new developments emerge north and south of the Intracoastal Waterway, we’re building on this strong foundation to create an even more vibrant downtown experience,” said Mayor Craft.
“The pedestrian bridge will connect our existing attractions with new community spaces, making The Waterway an even more walkable, dynamic hub where both our current businesses can thrive, and new opportunities can take root.”
Construction is scheduled for completion in Winter 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Pedestrian Bridge: Why do we need a third lane on the W.C. Holmes Bridge if the new ALDOT Bridge is being built? The expansion of Hwy 59 was already underway before the ALDOT bridge project was bid. Construction has begun, and unfortunately, the ALDOT Bridge will not include pedestrian access. The third lane is necessary to accommodate projected traffic growth and improve safety.
How is this project being funded? This project is funded by the general fund and the BUILD Grant, which is managed by the Federal Transportation Administration. The program only funds projects aimed at improving infrastructure and connectivity. The Highway 59 Expansion Project also utilizes funds through this program.
Why can’t we build a walkway attached to the existing W.C. Holmes Bridge? The city’s first concept was to create pedestrian access along the W.C. Holmes Bridge. However, the existing bridge is almost 54 years old. Discussions with the State revealed that adding such a significant structure to the aging existing bridge was not viable due to structural concerns.
Why can’t we just do a water taxi service? The BUILD Grant funding, which provides $7.9 million for this project, specifically requires permanent pedestrian infrastructure to ensure consistent connectivity across the Intracoastal Waterway. A water taxi service would not meet these grant requirements. Additionally, unlike a fixed bridge that provides reliable, round-the clock access, water taxis would be subject to weather conditions and operational limitations that could interrupt service when residents and visitors need to cross. How will the pedestrian bridge benefit the community? The pedestrian bridge is key to transforming The Waterway into a vibrant activity center. 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 towards creating a downtown area that showcases the best of our City.
