Gulf Shores, Ala. – (OBA) – Gulf Shores is taking preliminary in and around the Gulf Pines neighborhood in work related to the construction of a pedestrian bridge over the Intracoastal Waterway begins.

During the upcoming Jan. 16 work session meeting, the council will discuss taking over the portion of State Route 180 and East Second Street at the 90-degree intersection near Tacky Jacks. Gulf Shores wants to make this portion a city street.

Eventually, the city hopes to also take over more of State Route 180 from East Third Street to East 10th Street after a reroute of State Route 180 is built south of the neighborhood.

Another item up for discussion will be to make improvements to the detour through the Gulf Pines neighborhood when the 90-degree turn is closed down for construction.

“This project will include streetscape improvements to the existing roadways of East Second Street, East 22nd Avenue, East Third Street and East 24th Avenue as required for the construction of the Waterway Village Pedestrian Bridge,” a memo to the council states.

Bids were opened on Dec. 19 and Asphalt Services had the winning bid of $1.7 million. McElhenny Construction had the only other bid and it came in at $1.9 million.

The council will meet on Tuesday, Jan. 16, instead of the normal Monday meeting because of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. The meeting will be at 4 p.m. in council chambers at city hall.

During the work session, the council will discuss:

• Approving a task order with Hagerty Consulting for cost recovery grant management services related to the beach renourishment project for $24,875.

• Authorizing Gulf Shores Utilities to declare personal property as surplus including a 2012 Chevrolet 1500 extended cab pickup and a 1984 Caterpillar generator.

• Expanding the beach overlay district to include property from Sixth Avenue East to Hog Wild Barbecue on State Route 59.

• An agreement with the Baldwin County Sheriff’s office to provide law enforcement in the city including during events like the Hangout Music Fest and spring break.