Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — We see some people asking why the pedestrian bridge is being built. The pedestrian bridge is needed to eliminate the pedestrian lane on the Hwy 59 Bridge. Once the pedestrian bridge is completed, it will allow a 3rd traffic lane on the Holmes Bridge (Hwy 59).

Construction on the City of Gulf Shores’ pedestrian bridge is progressing as planned, with crews reaching several visible milestones. City officials report steady progress on roadway work, bridge construction, and elevator towers. The project continues to move forward without significant delays. Officials say work remains on schedule according to the contract.

As of this update, the pedestrian bridge project is 47.4 percent complete under the contract schedule. Subcontractors are scheduled to return to active roadway construction on Monday, January 26. Their work will focus on revisions to the ALT 1 typical section and continued curb and gutter construction along ALT 2.

ALT 1 and ALT 2 refer to the two new approach roadway segments that will carry traffic to and from the pedestrian bridge and elevator towers on each side of the Intracoastal Waterway. They include the reconfigured travel lanes, curb and gutter, and sidewalk areas that tie the bridge landings back into the existing street network, and are being built in phases so local access can be maintained while construction continues.

Recent progress includes significant developments on both sides of the Intracoastal Waterway. On the north side, all 15 bridge pilings have been saw-cut. Crews have started removing material to reach the necessary elevation for pile cap installation.

On the south side of the bridge, contractors are preparing for the next phase of the structure. The first vertical section of the South Bridge Bent Columns is expected to be poured within the next two weeks. This step marks another key transition in the bridge’s framework.

Work on the elevator towers also reached an important milestone earlier this week. On Wednesday, January 21, crews completed the final vertical section pour for the South Elevator Tower. City officials described the pour as a major achievement for the project.

Pile driving work has also been completed on the North Elevator Tower. Contractors successfully installed two piles to repair Pile 11. With that work finished, all pile driving activities for the elevator towers are now complete.

Traffic restrictions remain in place as construction continues. East 2nd Street between 23rd Avenue and 24th Avenue is still limited to local traffic only. The restriction is expected to remain through mid-February while pavement, curb, gutter, and sidewalk work is finalized.

Traffic north of the Intracoastal Waterway is also limited to local access during ongoing ALT 2 construction. City officials noted that no utility relocation work was performed during the most recent reporting period.

Erosion control measures continue to be monitored and maintained throughout the site. Contractors are repairing best management practices as needed. A pump system remains in operation on the north side of the waterway to manage the pile pit area.

The pump system will stay in place until all piles are cut off and pile caps are completed. These measures are intended to protect surrounding areas while construction activities continue.

Looking ahead, pile driving crews are expected to finish cutting elevator piles on the north side soon. The contractor is anticipated to demobilize by early February. Work will also continue on the South Elevator Tower’s internal slabs and ALT 1 roadway revisions.