Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – As anyone who lives in or visits the Orange Beach area knows, alternative means of transportation are important to our area. When all the sidewalks, multi-use paths and trails are completed, people will be able to go all the way from Bear Point to The Wharf on bikes or in golf carts. With more people using golf carts, walking and biking, these paths help reduce traffic and promote a healthier lifestyle.

(Note: To go from Bear Point to the Wharf, trail users would have to take the path by the Orange Beach Police Station to the Hwy 161 path. Then cross Hwy 161 to West Oakridge Drive and take the pathway to the Sportsplex and back to the Canal Road trail via Wm. Silvers Pkwy.)

Construction is already underway on the major multi-use paths, sidewalks and trails around Orange Beach. The work is part of a city effort to improve pedestrian and bike access along key roads, including Canal Road and Bear Point.

The Canal Road Multi-Use Trail Connectivity Projects were approved in September, according to city records. Work includes a 10-foot path from Wharf Parkway East, near Cumberland Farms, to Commercial Avenue.

A 5-foot sidewalk is also being added along Commercial Avenue, running from Captain’s Cove to Oak Street. These upgrades will make the area safer for walkers, cyclists and golf carts.

In Bear Point, another 10-foot path is under construction. It will run from Bay La Launch Avenue to Wilson Boulevard, linking with an existing trail nearby.

Wiregrass Construction Company Inc. is the lead contractor for the Canal Road projects. Thompson Engineering recommended the $3.6 million bid, which the city accepted.

Separately, a sidewalk project was awarded to PL Russell LLC in December. That 5-foot sidewalk cost $386,898.94 and is being paid for with an ALDOT transportation grant.

All trails and sidewalks are expected to be finished by the end of 2025, city officials said.