Foley residents will soon have a faster, stress-free route to commercial air travel thanks to a major roadway extension in nearby Gulf Shores. The Waterway East Boulevard project, funded by a RESTORE grant, connects directly to the Alabama Beaches Parkway (SR-161 / Beach Express), giving Foley drivers a streamlined path to Gulf Shores International Airport—the only local airport offering commercial airline service.
By connecting Waterway East Boulevard and Commerce Street to SR-161, this new secondary entrance allows travelers from Foley to reach the airport’s expanding terminal and aviation park while avoiding the severe traffic congestion and bottleneck areas along Highway 59, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Project Milestones & Timeline
- Completed Phases: Construction has already extended the roadway from E. 2nd Street to ALDOT’s right-of-way for the new SR-161 bridge (Phase 1) and linked Waterway East Boulevard to SR-161 SB north of the bridge (Phase 2).
- Current Focus: With the direct connection to SR-161 finished, crews are finalizing intersection upgrades on E. 29th Avenue, expected to wrap up within two weeks.
- Final Steps: Work will transition to the Commerce Street connection before final resurfacing, lane striping, and the full opening of all three roadways before the end of the year.
Direct Benefits for Local TravelersGulf Shores International Airport provides Foley residents with hassle-free regional travel through Allegiant Air, which offers low-cost, nonstop flights to 13 destinations. Whether traveling for business or leisure, residents can eliminate long road trips and reach their flights quickly using this new, efficient bypass route.
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