The fastest way to the beach is now owned by the Alabama Department of Transportation. ALDOT now owns and operates the Foley Beach Express. The highway connects inland areas of Baldwin County to the coast in Orange Beach. State officials completed a deal with the city of Foley to take over the road. The move comes after major improvements were finished on the popular route.

The transfer happened in 2024 when ALDOT bought a privately owned toll bridge crossing the Intracoastal Waterway in Orange Beach at the Wharf. The Foley City Council had approved improvement work in 2023. The project included adding safety lanes and repaving from Alabama 59 to Baldwin County 12.

RELATED ARTICLE:  End Of Tolls On Beach Express: ALDOT Set To Acquire Bridge

ALDOT will now handle all maintenance and repairs on the entire highway. The state also took over the Baldwin Beach Express section between Interstate 10 and Foley. This part was previously maintained by the county.

The complete state highway will be called Alabama State Highway 161. It runs from Interstate 10 all the way across the Intracoastal Waterway to Perdido Beach Blvd in Orange Beach. However, the Foley Beach Express name will still be used for addresses in the Foley.

The improvements focused on making the road safer for drivers. Workers added shoulder lanes and repaved major sections. The project was a joint effort between the city and state transportation departments.

The highway serves as a key route for tourists heading to Gulf Coast beaches. Many travelers use it to reach popular destinations along the coast, like Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Perdido Key. The state takeover should ensure better long-term care of the roadway.

Local officials worked with ALDOT to complete the transfer agreement. The deal benefits both the city and state transportation systems. Foley no longer has to pay for highway maintenance costs.