As our community continues to evolve, the City of Gulf Shores is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all residents, particularly those in the Gulf Pines neighborhood. With the construction of the new pedestrian bridge underway, we want to take a moment to address the changes in traffic flow on E 2nd St, E 3rd St and surrounding roads.
The City has been closely monitoring traffic patterns in the area, conducting traffic count analyses in multiple key locations. Preliminary findings reveal that approximately 8,800 vehicles travel on E Canal Dr between 3rd and 4th St each day, down nearly 35% from the 13,500 cars per day that historically traveled this route prior to the removal of the toll bridge. While the posted speed limit in this section is 45 mph, the average speed recorded since the detour was established was 35 mph. Approximately, 60% of drivers are utilizing the detour to E 22nd Ave, while 40% are opting to turn on E 24th St.
Additionally, traffic counts on E 10th St indicate a typical neighborhood traffic volume, with an impressive 97% compliance rate among drivers adhering to posted speed limits.
In addition to monitoring this activity, the City has taken additional steps to prioritize the safety and alleviate concerns of Gulf Pines residents. These steps include:
- Enhanced Police Presence: Since March 10, we have increased police presence and assigned a dedicated traffic officer to the area.
- Signal Adjustments at E 2nd St & E 22nd Ave: Completed on March 25, these adjustments sync the northbound right green arrow with both northbound and westbound traffic. Changes also include replacing the right arrow signal with a solid red circle and improving detection for the northbound right turn lane.
- Safety Modifications at E Canal Dr & E 3rd St: Completed on March 27, these measures include relocating the stop sign to accommodate larger vehicles and installing a stop bar on westbound Canal Dr.
- Directional Signage for E 3rd St Detour: As of March 28, we have added signs to clarify the detour route.
- Traffic Control Measures at E 2nd St & E 24th Ave: Actions taken include the installation of water barricades, repainting stop bars, and adding rumble strips to enhance safety at intersections.
- Local Traffic Only Signs: New signage will be placed on E 22nd Ave, E 23rd Ave, and E 24th Ave just east of 3rd St.
- Wayfinding Signage: New signage to help direct traffic to local businesses within Waterway Village and away from neighborhood streets will be designed and installed.
- Parking Adjustments on W 22nd Ave: Set for completion the week of April 1, parking removals will improve traffic flow and enhance safety for pedestrians and drivers alike.
- Traffic Counters: We have placed several traffic counters to monitor vehicle flow in critical locations, with installations completed between March 13 and March 27.
- Traffic Calming Study: The City has contracted with Jacobs Engineering, effective April 3, to assess traffic patterns on the detour route and surrounding neighborhoods, recommending additional traffic calming measures where necessary.
Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the Public Works Department for assistance at 251-968-1962. Together, we can ensure a safer, more accessible community for all.