Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Orange Beach leaders announced a three-day traffic detour as work continues on the new Intracoastal Waterway bridge project. The change will impact drivers traveling through Orange Beach and Gulf Shores during a busy May weekend. City officials stated that the goal is to keep traffic flowing smoothly while crews complete essential work related to the new route. The discussion took place during Tuesday night’s Orange Beach City Council meeting and focused on access near The Wharf and the state bridge project.

The planned detour is expected during the second weekend of May, with city officials saying it is currently scheduled from Sunday, May 10, 2026, to Tuesday, May 12, 2026. During the April 7, 2026, council meeting, City Administrator Fort Hanley said final dates would be confirmed and shared with the public as soon as possible. Officials said the temporary pattern is part of the effort to finish the project before Memorial Day, weather permitting.

Southbound traffic will be redirected through Gulf Shores while work proceeds near the south side of the bridge at Canal Road. Officials said drivers coming from the north will be rerouted away from Orange Beach, north of County Road 8 through Gulf Shores as much as possible, and signs at Interstate 10 will help guide traffic before vehicles reach the beach route. Currently, the detour is planned for Mother’s Day, May 10th, and the following Monday, May 11th & Tuesday 12th. The city will provide maps and updates before the detour is put into place.  According to ALDOT, everything will be completed by Memorial Day Weekend.

Council members indicated that no significant long-term road closures are anticipated beyond the 3-day detour period. Officials reported that two smaller concrete bridges north of County Road 4 have been completed, and work is ongoing to grade the median near the bridge approach. Officials also mentioned that one lane would remain open to maintain continuous northbound traffic during part of the construction.

The bridge project has been watched closely by drivers, businesses, and event venues. In a report published April 1, ALDOT spokesperson James Gordon told FOX10 News that the state aims to open the new bridge on or before Memorial Day weekend. The report said the bridge itself is nearly complete, with work remaining on striping, guardrails, paving, and the connector road to State Route 161.

The same FOX10 News report stated that the new traffic pattern is expected to direct one-way traffic onto the island via the new bridge and off the island via the former toll bridge near The Wharf. Officials said this setup should help move more vehicles during large events and busy travel times. The Wharf attracted over 3.5 million visitors last year, according to the station’s report.

The bridge and roadway work are part of a larger effort to improve traffic flow in Orange Beach/Gulf Shores and nearby areas. At Tuesday night’s meeting, Orange Beach officials said updates on the detour would be posted on social media once the final schedule is set.

For residents, workers, and visitors, the main concern is simple: how to pass through the area with less delay. The council said the short-term disruption is meant to support a longer-term traffic solution at the busiest gateways into Orange Beach. If the schedule holds, drivers should see the final transition take shape before the summer rush begins.