Gulf Shores, Ala. — (GSN) — A major road extension project along Waterway East Boulevard in Gulf Shores, Alabama, is approaching full completion following two completed construction phases. Funded entirely by a RESTORE grant, the project creates vital new connections to the Alabama Beaches Parkway (SR-161) to improve traffic flow and regional connectivity for residents and visitors.

Project Progress & Upcoming Milestones

• Phases 1 & 2 Completed: Construction successfully extended the roadway from E. 2nd Street to ALDOT's right-of-way for the new SR-161 bridge (Phase 1) and connected Waterway East Boulevard to SR-161 SB north of the new bridge (Phase 2).
• Current Focus: The direct connection between Waterway East Boulevard and SR-161 is finished. Crews are completing intersection upgrades on E. 29th Avenue, which are expected to wrap up within two weeks.
• Final Steps to Opening: Work will next transition to the Commerce Street connection. Once completed, crews will resurface all three roadways, apply final lane striping, and fully open the entire stretch to traffic before the end of the year.

In addition to improving general east-west connectivity, the completed Waterway East extension and its link to the Beach Express (SR-161) create a direct, efficient route to Gulf Shores International Airport. By providing seamless access to the airport's expanding terminal and aviation park via Commerce Street, travelers and local residents can bypass heavily congested stretches of Highway 59—especially during peak tourist seasons. This secondary entrance not only distributes traffic more evenly across the city's road network, but also ensures residents can reach the airport quickly without having to navigate local bottleneck areas.

The launch of commercial service with Allegiant Air at Gulf Shores International Airport has proven to be an overwhelming success, exceeding initial passenger projections as route offerings expanded to 13 nonstop destinations. For local tourism, the carrier's low-cost model has served as a major economic catalyst, drawing tens of thousands of fliers—nearly half (43%) of whom had never visited Alabama's beaches before commercial service began—and reinvesting visitor dollars into Baldwin County's local businesses, restaurants, and public services.

For local residents, Allegiant's presence transforms regional connectivity by offering affordable, hassle-free flights to major cities across the country, eliminating long, exhausting road trips and making direct travel far more accessible.