New Canal Rd. traffic pattern will begin March 10

New Canal Rd. traffic pattern will begin March 10
Waterway Village Pedestrian Bridge will be open next winter

The Canal Rd. traffic detour that will allow for the construction of the Waterway Village Pedestrian Bridge project will begin March 10 when access to East 2nd Street from Canal Rd. (State Hwy. 180) in Gulf Shores will be permanently closed. Motorists will be directed to use East 3rd St. and East 22nd Ave. to access Hwy. 180. Additional access points will be available via East 24th Ave. and East 23rd Ave.
The new pedestrian bridge (above) is an essential component of the Highway 59 expansion project that includes the addition of a third southbound lane, which will eliminate all pedestrian access across the Intracoastal Waterway via the W.C. Holmes Bridge. This dedicated pedestrian crossing will ensure continued safe access across the waterway for residents and visitors. Construction is scheduled for completion in Winter 2026.
“We want to ensure our residents are well-informed about upcoming traffic changes that will affect their daily routines,” said Mayor Robert Craft. “These modifications will ultimately create a more efficient and safer transportation network for our community.”
To enhance traffic safety, a new stop sign will be installed at East 3rd Street and East Canal Rd. New traffic signals have also been installed at the intersections of East 24th Avenue/East 3rd Street and East 22nd Avenue/East 2nd Street.
Pedestrian Connectivity
Rising 75 feet above the water to meet U.S. Army Corps of Engineers requirements, the pedestrian bridge will feature twin towers with large capacity elevators capable of simultaneously accommodating multiple cyclists and pedestrians. Each tower will include approximately 144 stairs, and the project encompasses plaza developments and streetscape improvements on both sides of the Intracoastal Waterway. When completed, the bridge will establish seamless pedestrian connectivity from the beach all the way to Cotton Creek Drive, transforming the area into a walkable destination for both residents and visitors.
Developing a Second Coast
The pedestrian bridge represents a crucial element in the city’s vision for continuing the development of The Waterway as Gulf Shores’ vibrant second coast. The project includes new plaza developments that will create gathering spaces for community events and additional parking on East 2nd Street, improving accessibility to shops and restaurants in the area.
“This bridge is more than just a crossing – it’s the cornerstone of our vision for The Waterway Village District. We already have fantastic establishments that have made this area a wonderful destination. As new developments emerge north and south of the Intracoastal Waterway, we’re building on this strong foundation to create an even more vibrant downtown experience,” said Mayor Craft. “The pedestrian bridge will connect our existing attractions with new community spaces, making The Waterway an even more walkable, dynamic hub where both our current businesses can thrive and new opportunities can take root.”
Both the pedestrian bridge and the Hwy. 59 expansion are funded in part with Federal Transportation Administration grants, including $7.9 million that specifically requires permanent pedestrian infrastructure to ensure consistent connectivity across the Intracoastal Waterway.
For more info, call 251-968-2425.