Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) —  Orange Beach and Gulf Shores are working to clarify which city has jurisdiction over a new roundabout north of the Intracoastal Waterway. The proposed agreement would define the two cities' boundaries. Police already assist each other in the area. The cities are also discussing additional road improvements.

At its November 3, 2026, meeting, the Orange Beach City Council introduced a resolution authorizing a memorandum of understanding with Gulf Shores. The agreement would clarify jurisdictional boundaries at the roundabout where State Route 161 and Alabama Beaches Parkway intersect.

City Administrator Ford Handley explained how the jurisdictional lines are divided around the new roadway. The bridge falls within Orange Beach's jurisdiction, while areas north of County Road 4 and west of the new southbound section fall under Gulf Shores' jurisdiction.

The agreement is intended to clarify which city has authority over different sections of the road system. The roundabout and surrounding roads connect areas used by residents, visitors, and emergency responders traveling between the two communities.

Police officials told the council that the two departments already coordinate when accidents occur in the area. Both cities provide mutual aid and backup as needed, regardless of where the jurisdictional boundaries fall.

The proposed agreement would formally define those boundaries while allowing the existing cooperation among law enforcement agencies to continue. Officials did not indicate that the agreement would change how officers currently assist one another at traffic accidents.

The discussion also included roadway improvements involving the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT).

City officials outlined several issues involving the roundabout and nearby roads:

• Jurisdictional boundaries: Orange Beach and Gulf Shores are considering a formal agreement to define their respective areas of responsibility.
• Bridge jurisdiction: The bridge is within Orange Beach's jurisdiction, while certain areas north of County Road 4 and west of the new southbound roadway fall under Gulf Shores.
• Emergency response: Police departments from both cities currently provide mutual aid and assistance when traffic accidents occur in the area.
• Road improvements: Orange Beach is working with ALDOT on a proposed deceleration lane into Beaver Creek from the roundabout and repairs to roadway delineators near Money Bayou.

The proposed deceleration lane would give vehicles a designated area to slow before entering Beaver Creek. These lanes are designed to separate turning traffic from vehicles continuing along the main roadway.

The discussion about delineators near Money Bayou concerns roadway markers that help guide drivers. These markers are especially useful for identifying road edges, traffic patterns, and areas where drivers must stay within designated lanes.

The council discussion did not set a construction schedule for the deceleration lane or a completion date for the delineator repairs. Officials also did not announce a final cost for the proposed improvements.

The memorandum of understanding remains a proposed action following its introduction to the council. The agreement would provide a formal framework for determining which city is responsible for areas within the jurisdictional boundaries.

For drivers and residents, the discussions center on two issues: clearly defined government responsibilities and improvements to nearby roads. Both cities continue to coordinate on public safety, while Orange Beach works with ALDOT to address additional roadway concerns.