New changes coming to the Beach Expressway

American Roads announces efforts to speed traffic on the Beach Express to accommodate high season traffic

SUBMITTED
Posted 7/3/17

Getting to and from the beach is about to get faster and cheaper with the new Beach Express GO! Program. Beach Express Bridge operator, American Roads, will immediately lower tolls through Labor Day …

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New changes coming to the Beach Expressway

American Roads announces efforts to speed traffic on the Beach Express to accommodate high season traffic

Posted

Getting to and from the beach is about to get faster and cheaper with the new Beach Express GO! Program. Beach Express Bridge operator, American Roads, will immediately lower tolls through Labor Day week, and increase traffic flow over the bridge. The company is also investing $5 million for long-term improvements that will further relieve traffic congestion by spring of 2018.

Going into effect June 28, Beach Express GO! will cut summer toll rates by more than 20% for visitors. Some local residents will see savings of more than 70 percent below the standard rate. Designed to immediately ease congestion on Highway 59, the program includes a plan to move traffic more freely over the bridge during periods of high demand.

“After Labor Day, we will start construction for the improvements, including adding a third, reversible lane on the bridge to accommodate two lanes of traffic in one direction, as well as widening the toll plaza and part of the southbound Foley Beach Express by the plaza,” said Neal Belitsky, CEO of American Roads. “Electronic tolling will further help by eliminating the need to stop for toll payment.”

Summer toll rates will be reduced from $3.50 to $2.75. Orange Beach residents will pay $1.25 (cash) and $1 (electronic). American Roads has worked with ALDOT and the legislature to allow electronic tolling to be implemented at the bridge in spring of 2018.

“We thank Mayor Tony Kennon and ALDOT for their ideas, and for working with American Roads in meeting the community’s needs,” Beitsky said.

Visit www.beachexpress.com for a complete listing of additional tolls and rates.