Gulf Shores Updates: New Crosswalk, Waterway Village Upgrades, and a Spring Market You’ll Actually Want to Go To

by Katie Ragland

If you’ve ever said:

  • “Why is there always a traffic shift?”

  • “I just want to cross 59 without risking my life.”

  • “Okay but Waterway Village is getting kind of cool…”

Same. Here’s what’s happening around Gulf Shores right now — in normal-human language.

Highway 59 got a new pedestrian crossing (finally)

A new pedestrian crossing is now open at Highway 59 and 12th Avenue, near Nonna’s Pizza and Tiki Mini Golf.

What’s included:

  • Pedestrian signals with countdown timers

  • Push-button activation

  • Accessible ramps + tactile paving

  • Fresh striping

Why this matters: this fills a gap between Fort Morgan Road and Waterville where there wasn’t a designated crossing. Translation: safer walking access without playing Frogger on 59.

Waterway Village is getting new plazas (and it’s grant-funded)

The City shared progress on the Waterway Village Pedestrian Plazas project — new public spaces on both sides of the canal at:

  • E 25th Ave & E 2nd St (north side)

  • E 24th Ave & AL-180 (south side)

Planned features include:

  • Shade trees + seating

  • Restrooms + sidewalks

  • Viewing spots + event space

  • Better access to local businesses

These upgrades are tied into the broader “make Waterway Village more walkable” vision — including connections to the new pedestrian bridge over the Intracoastal Waterway.

Funding + timeline: the City noted it’s supported by GOMESA grant funding, with design beginning Fall 2025 and an estimated 12–14 month build timeline.

ALDOT bridge + SR-161 Connector progress: what to expect

ALDOT’s update says work is continuing on the new Intracoastal Waterway Bridge and the SR-161 Connector.

What this means in real life:

  • Expect finishing-phase work like barrier walls, final tasks, and paving prep (especially near SR-180/Canal Road).

  • Traffic shifts will still happen as things move into final configurations.

  • SR-161 Connector work includes clearing, utility relocation, and roadway construction progression.

Also on deck: ALDOT noted future plans for SR-180 widening (Beaver Creek to the Beach Express Bridge), expected to bid summer 2026 with construction projected to start after Labor Day.

Mark your calendar: Junior City Council Spring Market (March 28, 2026)

If you want an easy local Saturday plan:

  • Junior City Council Spring Market

  • Saturday, March 28, 2026 | 9 AM–2 PM

  • Waterway Village

  • Food trucks + locally produced foods + homemade treats + arts & crafts

Bonus points because it’s organized by the Junior City Council — I love seeing young locals doing cool, community-building things.

Bottom line

Short-term: construction and traffic shifts can be annoying.
Long-term: these projects are stacking toward a more connected, walkable, “actually enjoyable to move around” Gulf Shores — especially around Waterway Village.

Katie Ragland | 256-366-6974 | Real Broker, LLC
https://linktr.ee/katieraglandrealtor
Want a faster way to get these updates? Follow out my podcast here: Keys & Clarity with Katie Ragland
https://open.spotify.com/show/5CPSTHAuT0WpttgU0kUt7T?si=Ivnrn1TIT6iFxE6EzP4gWg

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