Gulf Shores, Ala. — (GSN) — The travel landscape for thousands of beachgoers heading to the Alabama coast has undergone a significant transformation over the past two years. Since the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) purchased the Beach Express bridge and removed tolls in May 2024, traffic patterns have shifted, providing travelers with a more balanced and efficient route to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.

For many years, Highway 59 served as the primary, and often only, artery for those traveling to the coast. However, the route became notoriously congested, struggling to handle the volume of vacationers and commuters. The corridor was plagued by frequent traffic lights and lower, restrictive speed limits that often turned short trips into hours of stop-and-go frustration for locals and tourists alike. This heavy reliance on a single, overburdened route frequently gridlocked the area, especially during peak summer seasons and holidays, creating significant bottlenecks.

Looking ahead, Baldwin County leaders are focused on sustaining this momentum through the "Baldwin Beach Express II" (BBE II) project. In January 2026, the Baldwin County Commission adopted an updated access management plan for this planned 25-mile, multi-lane divided highway, which will connect Interstate 10 to Interstate 65.

RELATED ARTICLE:  Plan To Connect Baldwin Beach Express From I-10 to I-65 Is Accepted

According to Baldwin County Engineer Frank Lundy, the project is a historical milestone designed to support the county's rapid growth while preserving the character of the roadway. The new design focuses on maintaining the free flow of traffic by utilizing grade-separated interchanges at most primary intersections, allowing vehicles to enter and exit without disrupting the main line of traffic. By limiting minor intersections to right-in/right-out access and planning for key interchanges at locations like I-10 and I-65, the county aims to avoid the intersection congestion that characterized older infrastructure projects.

The new Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) bridge has significantly improved travel to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach by creating a more efficient traffic pattern, featuring two dedicated southbound lanes that enhance mobility and reduce congestion during peak travel seasons.

To build upon this progress, the City of Gulf Shores has negotiated a strategic land swap with Gulf State Park, acquiring over 30 acres of undeveloped land to secure the right-of-way needed for a new permanent bypass road. Once constructed, this connection will link the bridge directly to Highway 59, allowing drivers to bypass local residential neighborhoods and providing a swift, reliable flow of traffic into the heart of Gulf Shores.