Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — Construction on the City of Gulf Shores Pedestrian Bridge is moving ahead on schedule, with several major tasks completed or underway this week. City officials say contractors are making progress on roadway work, bridge foundations, and elevator towers. Traffic restrictions remain in place around the project area while crews continue construction. The bridge is designed to improve pedestrian safety and access near the Intracoastal Waterway.

Work on the bridge’s supporting roadway has advanced along AL Highway 182, also known as ALT 1. The roadway subcontractor completed three concrete pours for new curb and gutter in this area during the current work period. These improvements are intended to create a smoother and safer streetscape for drivers and pedestrians. The city reports that this roadway work is an important step toward the overall completion of the project.

Bridge construction on the north side of the Intracoastal Waterway has also reached a key point. All fifteen bridge pilings on the north side are now ready to be cut off, but this step will wait until piles for the nearby elevator tower are finished. On the south side of the bridge, final design plans are still under review. Because of that review, no additional bridge work is scheduled on the south side at this time.

Elevator tower construction is another major focus of the project. Progress continues on the South Elevator Tower, where crews poured the third vertical wall section on Monday, December 15. Once this work is complete, the south tower will move closer to its final height and shape. On the north side, the elevator tower piling work will resume after a repair plan for Pile number eleven is approved.

Traffic and access remain limited in several areas around the construction zone. East Second Street between Twenty-Third Avenue and Twenty-Fourth Avenue is restricted to local traffic only. City officials say that restriction will continue through mid-February as workers install pavement, curb and gutter, and sidewalks. Along ALT 2 north of the Intracoastal Waterway, traffic is also limited to local access only while construction continues.

The city reports that no utility relocation work was completed during this week’s schedule. However, crews remain focused on erosion control and site protection around the construction area. Best Management Practices, known as BMPs, are being repaired as needed to reduce runoff and protect nearby waterways and property. These efforts are part of the project’s environmental and safety measures.

A pump system is also in place to support work on the north side of the Intracoastal Waterway. The system is actively maintaining the pile pit there by keeping water levels under control. This pumping will continue until the pile caps in that area are completed. City staff say this step helps keep the site stable and safe for ongoing foundation work.

Looking ahead, the city has outlined its plans for the next two weeks. The pile-driving contractor is currently on standby while officials review and approve the repair plan for Pile number eleven. Roadway work will pause for the holidays and then resume in the new year as crews return to full operations. The structures subcontractor will continue to work on the South Elevator Tower.

According to the city’s update, one final vertical concrete pour for the South Elevator Tower is scheduled to take place after the holidays. That pour will mark another significant milestone in the bridge’s vertical construction. Officials say that, even with the brief holiday pause, the pedestrian bridge project remains on schedule. The city plans to keep residents informed as work continues on this major infrastructure improvement.