Boaters and residents in the Orange Beach and Gulf Shores area will need to prepare for a temporary closure of the Intracoastal Waterway. According to the U.S. Coast Guard Sector Mobile Waterways Management Division, daytime vessel traffic will be stopped for 5 days while work crews install new bridge girders. The closure will take place along the waterway at the site of the upcoming AL 180 Connector fixed bridge, affecting those traveling between Orange Beach and Gulf Shores. The move is necessary to allow for safe and efficient construction of the bridge.

The closure is scheduled from Monday, August 11, through Friday, August 15. Each day, the waterway will be closed to all vessels from 6:30 a.m. until 6:30 p.m. During these hours, no boats, barges, or ships will be allowed to pass through this part of the canal. Work crews from Scott Bridge Company will be installing girders over the main channel as part of the bridge project.

After work ends each evening, crews will move their equipment outside the channel. Vessel operators are encouraged to navigate the area at no-wake speed and make arrangements to pass ahead of time if needed. Project work is set to include boats and barges, such as the T/V MISS PATSY, a 24-foot work boat, two material barges, and a large barge-mounted crane measuring 70 feet by 195 feet.

The Coast Guard advises that mariners plan accordingly, especially those who need to travel through the area during the closure dates. For real-time updates and coordination on transit, boaters may contact the Scott Bridge Company directly at 334-737-8992. Mariners should monitor VHF-FM Channel 16 for communication and updates during the construction period.

As always, the U.S. Coast Guard recommends exercising caution when operating near construction zones. Extra preparation will help keep everyone safe during this important step in bridge construction. The closure aims to minimize long-term disruptions by condensing work into a short, set period. Operators are urged to be aware of these dates and adjust their schedules as needed.