The Alabama Department of Transportation announced Thursday it is preparing to open the new Intracoastal Waterway Bridge in Baldwin County with a new traffic pattern aimed at improving travel to Alabama’s beach communities.
To finish construction of the two southbound lanes at the north roundabout, ALDOT will put a temporary detour in place for drivers heading south on SR-161, also known as Beach Express.
The detour will begin Sunday, May 10, 2026, at 7 a.m. and continue through Wednesday, May 13, 2026. Southbound traffic headed to the islands will be directed to SR-59 on SR-308, formerly Foley Beach Express, for access to Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Fort Morgan. Local traffic should continue south on SR-161 until the closure at CR-8, also known as Coastal Gateway Boulevard.
“While short-term detours can be inconvenient, this is an important step toward opening a traffic pattern,” ALDOT’s James Gordon said. “The goal is a smoother trip and improved safety.”
ALDOT also said it will adjust signal timings along SR-59 to help ease congestion during the detour.
The new bridge opening will happen in two phases. On Sunday, May 10, motorists will be able to travel from County Road 4, also known as Cotton Creek Drive, south across the new bridge and onto Canal Road. On Wednesday, May 13, the new SR-161 connector roadway will open, allowing full access from the Beach Express south across the new Intracoastal Waterway bridge and onto Canal Road using the one-way, free-flow traffic pattern.
ALDOT expects the completed one-way, free-flow pattern to be in place by Memorial Day. The final setup will include two southbound lanes across the new bridge, two northbound lanes across the former toll bridge, and roundabouts designed to keep traffic moving with fewer delays.
Motorists are urged to follow detour signs and message boards, watch for workers and equipment, and allow extra travel time.
