Foley Beach Express Bridge Becomes Toll Free, Courtesy of State of Alabama
A joint announcement between the offices of the Alabama Governor, the Orange Beach Alabama Mayor, and the Baldwin County Bridge Company heralded the signing of an agreement for the state to purchase the Foley Beach Express Bridge in Orange Beach. Previously a paid thruway, the bridge will become toll free immediately upon ownership change.
The sale is expected to close in May, with the collection of tolls to cease at noon on the date of the closing. A date for the closing will be announced as soon as it is scheduled.
“Alabama’s Gulf Coast continues to experience record growth and success,” said Governor Kay Ivey. “Needed infrastructure improvements in the area will help alleviate traffic congestion for Alabamians and those visiting our beaches.”
When the transaction is finalized, the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) will operate the Beach Express Bridge toll free, initially carrying southbound and northbound traffic. ALDOT’s construction of the Intracoastal Waterway Bridge will continue into 2026. Upon completion, the Beach Express Bridge will be converted to carry northbound traffic and the new ALDOT bridge will carry southbound traffic – creating “one-way pairs,” parallel paired bridges to move traffic more efficiently to and from Alabama’s beaches.
The entire route from Interstate 10 will become a state highway to be named State Route 161.
