Orange Beach, Ala. — (GSN) —  A short three days in May detour is what engineers will need before opening the southbound bridge over the ICW. For those three days all Expressway traffic will be rerouted to Highway 59 and will enter the island through Gulf Shores.

ALDOT is preparing to open the new Intracoastal Waterway Bridge in Baldwin County. Final work is underway. A temporary detour will affect southbound traffic. This change is part of a new travel pattern to the Alabama beaches.

ALDOT said the detour will begin Sunday, May 10, 2026, at 7 a.m. and continue through Wednesday, May 13, 2026. It will affect drivers heading south on SR-161, also known as the Beach Express.

Island-bound traffic will be directed to SR-59 via SR-308, formerly known as Foley Beach Express. That route will provide access to Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Fort Morgan during the temporary closure, according to ALDOT.

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ALDOT said that local traffic should continue south on SR-161 only until the closure at CR-8, also known as Coastal Gateway Blvd. The department also plans to modify and manage signal timings on SR-59 during the detour.

“While short-term detours can be inconvenient, this is an important step toward establishing a traffic pattern,” ALDOT’s James Gordon said. “The goal is a smoother trip and improved safety.”

ALDOT said bridge access will open in two phases. In Phase 1 on Sunday, May 10, motorists will be able to travel south from County Road 4, also known as Cotton Creek Drive, across the new bridge.

That traffic will continue onto Canal Road. In Phase 2 on Wednesday, May 13, the new SR-161 connector roadway will open. ALDOT said that it will allow full access from Beach Express south, across the bridge, and onto Canal Road.

The department said the second phase will use a one-way, free-flow traffic pattern. Once construction is complete, that pattern is expected by Memorial Day. It will connect the Beach Express to the new Intracoastal Waterway Bridge and Canal Road.

Once work is finished, two lanes will carry southbound traffic across the new ICW Bridge, and two lanes will carry northbound traffic across the former toll bridge. ALDOT said roundabouts are designed to keep vehicles moving with fewer delays.

Drivers are urged to follow posted detour signs and message boards. ALDOT also advised motorists to pay attention to new traffic schemes and equipment, including a new signal at the CR-4/SR-161 South intersection.

The agency also asked drivers to watch for workers and equipment. Motorists should allow extra travel time and remain alert in the work zone, ALDOT said, as crews complete the final work associated with the new traffic pattern.