Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) —  Gulf Shores is moving forward with a broad effort to reshape Waterway Village into a safer, more walkable district. The project spans multiple blocks along East 2nd Street in the Gulf Pines area. Plans call for new sidewalks, street parking, stormwater upgrades, and public amenities. A new pedestrian bridge is already under construction and rising quickly.

Design work is underway for the East 2nd Street corridor improvements. The city is awaiting Restore Act funding approval, expected in about six months. Once funding is secured, construction can begin on the next phase of the district's transformation.

The planned East 2nd Street improvements include:

• Full roadway reconstruction between East 22nd Ave and East 23rd Ave
• New on-street parking and expanded sidewalks
• Stormwater system upgrades
• Landscaping, lighting, irrigation, and public amenities in two sections: East 22nd Ave to East 24th Ave, south of the pedestrian bridge, and East 25th Ave to Waterway East Blvd, north of the pedestrian bridge

The streetscape upgrades will also include pedestrian-friendly lighting, additional trees, planting beds, and turf areas. Residents and visitors can expect benches, trash receptacles, planters, and other community amenities along the corridor.

Meanwhile, construction of the pedestrian bridge is progressing on schedule. The towers are rising quickly, and the structure is on track to open in Spring 2027. Design work for new pedestrian plazas is also moving forward in parallel with the bridge project.

City officials said they aim to open the plaza parks around the time the pedestrian bridge debuts. Together, the bridge and plazas are expected to serve as a central gathering point for the Waterway Village district.