Difference between revisions of "beach-express-toll"

From Toll Wiki

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{{DISPLAYTITLE: Beach Express Toll: Alabama's Foley Beach Express Complete Guide 2025}}
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{{DISPLAYTITLE: Beach Express Alabama: Now Toll-Free State Route 161 - 2025 Guide}}
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{{#seo:|title=Beach Express Toll: Alabama's Foley Beach Express Complete Guide 2025}}
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{{#seo:|title=Beach Express Alabama: Now Toll-Free State Route 161 - 2025 Guide}}
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{{#seo:|keywords=Beach Express toll, Foley Beach Express, Alabama toll free, Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, Baldwin County}}
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{{#seo:|keywords=Beach Express Alabama, Foley Beach Express, toll-free bridge, Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, State Route 161}}
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{{#seo:|description=Complete 2025 guide to Alabama's Beach Express toll road - now toll-free! Foley Beach Express connecting Orange Beach to Gulf Shores. No tolls since May 2024.}}
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{{#seo:|description=Complete 2025 guide to the former Beach Express toll bridge in Alabama - now toll-free State Route 161 connecting I-10 to Orange Beach and Gulf Shores.}}
 
{{#canonics: https://tollguru.com/toll-wiki/beach-express-toll}}
 
{{#canonics: https://tollguru.com/toll-wiki/beach-express-toll}}
 
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<h1 style="font-size: 32px; font-weight: bold; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; margin: 10px 0; border-bottom: 3px solid #a2a9b1; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-top: 0">Beach Express Alabama: Now Toll-Free State Route 161</h1>
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= Beach Express Toll: Alabama's Now Toll-Free Route =
 
  
 
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<div style="color: #6c757d; font-size: 14px;">
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'''Current Status:''' TOLL-FREE since May 23, 2024<br>
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'''Status:''' Toll-Free Since May 23, 2024<br>
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'''System:''' Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT)<br>
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'''Current Designation:''' State Route 161<br>
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'''Route:''' 14-mile expressway connecting Orange Beach to Foley, Alabama<br>
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'''Operator:''' Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT)<br>
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'''Designation:''' State Route 161 (as of 2024)<br>
+
'''Route:''' I-10 to Orange Beach/Gulf Shores<br>
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'''Alternative to:''' Congested Highway 59 route to Gulf Shores
+
'''Length:''' 13.5 miles<br>
 +
'''Previous Toll:''' $5.00 (eliminated 2024)
 
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[https://tollguru.com/toll-calculator-alabama Calculate Alabama Toll]
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<a href="https://tollguru.com/toll-calculator-alabama"><button class="custom-button button-orange" type="button">Calculate Alabama Tolls</button></a>
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</div>
  
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== Do I Need to Pay Tolls on Beach Express? 2025 Update ==
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== Is the Beach Express Still a Toll Road? 2025 Update ==
  
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'''No, you don't need to pay any tolls on the Beach Express!''' The Alabama Department of Transportation purchased the bridge from the Baldwin County Bridge Company for $57 million in May 2024, and tolls were eliminated at noon on May 23, 2024.
+
No, the Beach Express (formerly Foley Beach Express Bridge) has been toll-free since May 23, 2024. The state of Alabama purchased the bridge for $57 million, immediately eliminating the $5 toll and converting it to State Route 161.
  
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'''2025 Reality:''' With ALDOT's ownership, every route to Alabama's beaches is now toll-free. The former $5 toll that operated for over 24 years has been permanently eliminated, making this the fastest route to Alabama's Gulf Coast beaches completely free of charge.
+
'''Key Reality:''' This is Alabama's only former toll road that became toll-free. All routes to Alabama's beaches are now toll-free, making beach access more affordable for residents and tourists.
  
−
'''Major Development:''' Construction of a companion two-lane span over Portage Creek is underway with completion expected by Spring or early Summer 2026. This will create dedicated northbound and southbound lanes for improved traffic flow.
+
'''2025 Status:''' The bridge operates as a state highway with free-flowing traffic. ALDOT removed toll booths in mid-2024 and continues construction of a parallel Intracoastal Waterway Bridge for improved traffic flow.
  
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== Beach Express Historical Toll Costs ==
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== Beach Express Route & Access ==
  
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Understanding the toll history helps explain why this toll-free conversion is significant for Alabama beachgoers and the local economy.
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The former Beach Express toll bridge provides a 13.5-mile limited-access route connecting Interstate 10 with Alabama's Gulf Coast beaches.
  
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=== Historical Toll Rates (2000-2024) ===
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=== Current Access Points ===
 +
* '''North Terminus:''' Exit 49 on Interstate 10 near Foley
 +
* '''South Terminus:''' Orange Beach and Gulf Shores
 +
* '''Alternative To:''' Highway 59 with significantly reduced traffic and stoplights
 +
* '''Speed Limit:''' 65 mph on most sections
  
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{| class="toll-table"
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=== What Changed in 2024 ===
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! Period
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* '''May 23, 2024:''' Tolls eliminated at noon, bridge became toll-free
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! Standard Rate 
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* '''Ownership Transfer:''' From Baldwin County Bridge Company to Alabama DOT
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! Resident Rate
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* '''New Designation:''' Now operates as State Route 161
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! Operator
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* '''Toll Booth Removal:''' Completed mid-2024 for free-flowing traffic
−
|-
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* '''Future Enhancement:''' Parallel bridge under construction for Spring/Summer 2026 completion
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| 2000-2007
 
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| $2.00
 
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| $1.00 (with commuter pass)
 
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| Baldwin County Bridge Company
 
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|-
 
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| 2007-2010
 
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| $3.00
 
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| $1.50 (Orange Beach residents)
 
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| Alinda Roads LLC
 
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|-
 
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| 2010-2024
 
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| $3.50
 
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| $1.50 (Orange Beach residents)
 
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| American Roads LLC
 
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|-
 
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| 2024 (Final)
 
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| $5.00
 
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| $1.50 (Orange Beach residents)
 
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| Baldwin County Bridge Company
 
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|-
 
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| '''May 23, 2024-Present'''
 
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| '''$0.00 (FREE)'''
 
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| '''$0.00 (FREE)'''
 
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| '''Alabama Department of Transportation'''
 
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|}
 
  
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=== Why Tolls Were Eliminated ===
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== Historical Toll Information ==
  
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'''Traffic Congestion:''' The agreement was made possible by the city's willingness to forego annual financial benefits in order to achieve improved traffic flow for Orange Beach and Gulf Shores citizens and visitors.
+
=== Bridge History & Investment Performance ===
 +
The Foley Beach Express opened on June 30, 2000, with initial tolls set at $2.00 per passenger vehicle or $1.00 with a commuter pass. The bridge was a significant disappointment to investors - they were reportedly told that the bridge would have 10 million users a year by 2012. In 2012, the actual number was 2.3 million. Ten years later, in 2022, the year with the highest usage on record to date, just over 5.5 million vehicles used the bridge.
  
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'''Economic Growth:''' Alabama's Gulf Coast continues to experience record growth and success, and infrastructure improvements help alleviate traffic congestion for Alabamians and those visiting our beaches.
+
=== Revenue Sharing History ===
 +
In 2000, Orange Beach loaned $12 million to Baldwin County Bridge Company, which was repaid with ten annual installments of $1.2 million plus a share of all tolls collected. Since 2014, Orange Beach has received thirty cents of every toll. By the end of 2023, Orange Beach had made a tidy $7.2 million in total profit.
  
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'''Underperformance:''' The bridge significantly underperformed investor expectations - told to expect 10 million users per year by 2012, actual usage was 2.3 million in 2012 and peaked at 5.5 million in 2022.
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=== Previous Toll Rates (Eliminated May 2024) ===
  
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== Beach Express Route Information ==
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<div style="overflow-x: auto; -webkit-overflow-scrolling: touch; margin: 20px 0;">
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<table style="width: 100%; min-width: 600px; border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 14px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6;">
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<tr>
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<th style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; text-align: left; font-weight: bold; color: #ffffff !important; background: #555555 !important;">Vehicle Type</th>
 +
<th style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; text-align: left; font-weight: bold; color: #ffffff !important; background: #555555 !important;">Cash Rate</th>
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<th style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; text-align: left; font-weight: bold; color: #ffffff !important; background: #555555 !important;">Freedom Pass Rate</th>
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<th style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; text-align: left; font-weight: bold; color: #ffffff !important; background: #555555 !important;">Notes</th>
 +
</tr>
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<tr>
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<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f8f9fa;">Passenger Cars (2-axle)</td>
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<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f8f9fa;">$5.00</td>
 +
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f8f9fa;">$2.75</td>
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<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f8f9fa;">One direction only (to beach)</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr>
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<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6;">Commercial Vehicles</td>
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<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6;">$5.00+</td>
 +
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6;">$2.75+</td>
 +
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6;">Based on axle count</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr>
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<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f8f9fa;">Motorcycles</td>
 +
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f8f9fa;">$5.00</td>
 +
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f8f9fa;">$2.75</td>
 +
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f8f9fa;">Same as passenger cars</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
</div>
  
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The Foley Beach Express is a 14.0-mile-long limited-access two- to four-lane highway connecting Orange Beach with Foley, serving as an alternate route to the heavily traveled State Route 59 in Gulf Shores.
+
=== Why Tolls Were Eliminated ===
 +
* '''Traffic Congestion:''' Growing coastal development created traffic bottlenecks
 +
* '''Economic Development:''' Removing tolls supports Alabama's tourism industry and local economic activity
 +
* '''Public Pressure:''' Long-standing community advocacy for toll elimination
 +
* '''State Investment:''' $57 million purchase price plus $3 million for local road improvements
  
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=== Route Details ===
+
== Current Alabama Toll Roads (2025) ==
  
−
'''Southern Terminus:''' Intersection with SR 180 (Canal Road) in northwestern Orange Beach
+
With the Beach Express now toll-free, Alabama operates three remaining toll facilities:
  
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'''Northern Terminus:''' Intersection with SR 59 in the far north part of Foley
+
=== Active Toll Roads ===
 +
* '''[[montgomery-expressway-toll|Montgomery Expressway]]''' - $2.00 cars, $1.50 with Freedom Pass
 +
* '''[[emerald-mountain-expressway-toll|Emerald Mountain Expressway]]''' - $2.50 cars, $1.75 with Freedom Pass 
 +
* '''[[tuscaloosa-eastern-bypass-toll|Tuscaloosa Eastern Bypass]]''' - $2.50 cars, $1.75 with Freedom Pass
  
−
'''Key Bridge:''' 2,000-foot span at 73 feet height crossing the Intracoastal Waterway (Portage Creek)
+
=== Payment Methods for Remaining Toll Roads ===
 +
* '''[[freedom-pass-alabama|Alabama Freedom Pass]]''' - Electronic toll tag with discounts
 +
* '''Cash Payment''' - Accepted at all toll plazas
 +
* '''Credit Cards''' - Accepted at most facilities
 +
* '''Mobile Payment''' - Alabama Freedom Pass mobile app
  
−
'''Extension:''' Baldwin Beach Express continues north 12.8 miles to Interstate 10 at Exit 49
+
== Traffic Impact & Benefits ==
  
−
=== Major Destinations Served ===
+
=== Travel Time Savings ===
 +
* '''Vs Highway 59:''' 15-30 minutes faster during peak seasons
 +
* '''No Traffic Lights:''' Limited-access design bypasses coastal congestion
 +
* '''Peak Season:''' Most beneficial during summer months and holidays
 +
* '''Capacity:''' Handled 5.5+ million vehicles annually (2022 peak usage)
  
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* '''Orange Beach:''' Direct access to beaches, resorts, and marina facilities
+
=== Economic Benefits ===
−
* '''Gulf Shores:''' Easy connection to Alabama's premier beach destination
+
* '''Tourist Access:''' Improved access to Alabama beaches and attractions
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* '''Foley:''' Access to outlets, shopping, and inland attractions
+
* '''Local Traffic:''' Reduced congestion on Highway 59, improved traffic flow
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* '''Perdido Key:''' Connection to Florida border beaches
+
* '''Business Impact:''' Better connectivity for Gulf Shores and Orange Beach businesses
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* '''Interstate 10:''' Major east-west corridor connection
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* '''Future Growth:''' Supporting continued coastal development
  
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== Current Traffic Management (2025) ==
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== Future Infrastructure Plans ==
  
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'''Toll Plaza Status:''' Demolition of the toll plaza will happen soon after toll collection ceased permanently on May 23, 2024.
+
=== Intracoastal Waterway Bridge (Under Construction) ===
 +
* '''Completion:''' Spring/Summer 2026
 +
* '''Configuration:''' Parallel bridge creating one-way pair - Beach Express northbound, new bridge southbound
 +
* '''Traffic Flow:''' Enhanced capacity for beach traffic
 +
* '''Funding:''' Part of Alabama's coastal infrastructure investment
  
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'''Temporary Measures:''' Reduced speeds of 35-40 mph through the former toll plaza area until full roadway reconfiguration is complete.
+
=== Long-Term Improvements ===
 +
* Canal Road widening to five lanes between parallel bridges
 +
* Intersection improvement at State Route 161/180 intersection in Orange Beach
 +
* Enhanced traffic management systems
 +
* Continued coordination with local development projects
  
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'''Future Configuration:''' Upon completion of the new companion bridge in 2026, the Beach Express Bridge will carry northbound traffic and the new bridge will carry southbound traffic.
+
== Planning Your Beach Trip ==
  
−
== Recent Changes (2024-2025) ==
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=== Getting to Alabama Beaches (2025) ===
 +
* '''From Birmingham:''' I-65 South to I-10 East to SR-161 (former Beach Express)
 +
* '''From Atlanta:''' I-85 to I-65 to I-10 to SR-161
 +
* '''From Mobile:''' I-10 East to SR-161
 +
* '''From Pensacola:''' I-10 West to SR-161
  
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'''May 23, 2024:''' Alabama Department of Transportation purchased the bridge for $57 million, eliminating tolls at noon
+
=== Cost Considerations ===
 +
* '''Fuel Only:''' No tolls on any route to Alabama beaches
 +
* '''Alternative Routes:''' Highway 59 remains available but slower
 +
* '''Parking:''' Beach parking fees may apply at destinations
 +
* '''Total Savings:''' $5+ per trip elimination saves regular visitors hundreds annually
  
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'''State Route Designation:''' The highway is redesignated as an extension of State Route 161 north
+
== Alabama vs. Regional States ==
  
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'''Maintenance Transfer:''' ALDOT assumes maintenance of both the Foley Beach Expressway and Baldwin Beach Express north to Interstate 10
+
<div style="overflow-x: auto; -webkit-overflow-scrolling: touch; margin: 20px 0;">
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<table style="width: 100%; min-width: 600px; border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 14px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6;">
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'''Additional Payments:''' $3 million paid to Orange Beach for local road improvements
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<tr>
−
 
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<th style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; text-align: left; font-weight: bold; color: #ffffff !important; background: #555555 !important;">State</th>
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'''Future Projects:''' ALDOT committed to widening Canal Road to five lanes and State Route 161/180 intersection improvements
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<th style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; text-align: left; font-weight: bold; color: #ffffff !important; background: #555555 !important;">Beach Access Tolls</th>
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<th style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; text-align: left; font-weight: bold; color: #ffffff !important; background: #555555 !important;">Toll System</th>
−
== Planning Your Beach Journey ==
+
<th style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; text-align: left; font-weight: bold; color: #ffffff !important; background: #555555 !important;">Notes</th>
−
 
+
</tr>
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=== Travel Benefits ===
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<tr>
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* '''Time Savings:''' Shaves off miles and minutes from crossing the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway at SR 59 in Gulf Shores
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<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f8f9fa;">Alabama</td>
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* '''Cost Savings:''' Completely free alternative to former $5 toll
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<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f8f9fa;">None (eliminated 2024)</td>
−
* '''Traffic Avoidance:''' Safe and fast toll road option to save time, money and gas as an alternative to Highway 59
+
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f8f9fa;">3 remaining toll roads</td>
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* '''Less Congestion:''' Avoids numerous stop lights and traffic delays
+
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f8f9fa;">Only state to eliminate beach tolls</td>
−
 
+
</tr>
−
=== Access Points ===
+
<tr>
−
* '''From Interstate 10:''' Exit 49 (Baldwin Beach Express) - direct connection
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<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6;">[[florida-toll|Florida]]</td>
−
* '''From Foley:''' SR 59 intersection in north Foley
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<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6;">Various beach access tolls</td>
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* '''From Orange Beach:''' SR 180 (Canal Road) intersection
+
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6;">SunPass statewide</td>
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* '''Mid-route Access:''' County Roads 8, 12, and 20 provide additional access
+
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6;">Multiple beach toll facilities</td>
−
 
+
</tr>
−
== Beach Express vs. Alternative Routes ==
+
<tr>
−
 
+
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f8f9fa;">Mississippi</td>
−
{| class="toll-table"
+
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f8f9fa;">No beach tolls</td>
−
! Route
+
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f8f9fa;">No toll roads</td>
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! Distance
+
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f8f9fa;">Completely toll-free state</td>
−
! Travel Time
+
</tr>
−
! Cost
+
<tr>
−
|-
+
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6;">[[georgia-toll|Georgia]]</td>
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| '''Beach Express (SR 161)'''
+
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6;">No beach tolls</td>
−
| 14 miles
+
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6;">Limited toll facilities</td>
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| 18-25 minutes
+
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6;">Few toll roads statewide</td>
−
| '''FREE'''
+
</tr>
−
|-
+
</table>
−
| Highway 59
+
</div>
−
| 16 miles
 
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| 25-45 minutes
 
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| FREE
 
−
|-
 
−
| State Route 182
 
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| 22 miles
 
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| 30-50 minutes
 
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| FREE
 
−
|}
 
  
 
== Frequently Asked Questions ==
 
== Frequently Asked Questions ==
  
−
=== Is the Beach Express really toll-free now? ===
+
=== When did the Beach Express become toll-free? ===
−
Yes, completely toll-free since May 23, 2024. The Alabama Department of Transportation purchased the bridge and eliminated all tolls permanently.
+
The Beach Express became toll-free at noon on May 23, 2024, when Alabama completed its purchase of the bridge from Baldwin County Bridge Company.
  
−
=== What happened to the toll booths? ===
+
=== Can I still use the old route to avoid tolls? ===
−
The toll plaza is scheduled for demolition. Traffic currently flows through temporarily configured lanes with reduced speeds until the roadway is fully reconfigured.
+
The Beach Express IS now the toll-free route. Highway 59 remains available as an alternative but typically takes longer due to traffic lights and congestion.
  
−
=== Will there be any future tolls? ===
+
=== Will tolls ever return to the Beach Express? ===
−
No, the route is now permanently maintained by the Alabama Department of Transportation as a toll-free state highway (SR 161).
+
No, as a state-owned highway (SR-161), the Beach Express will remain toll-free under Alabama Department of Transportation operation.
  
−
=== When will the new bridge be completed? ===
+
=== Are there any tolls to Alabama beaches now? ===
−
The companion bridge across the Intracoastal Waterway is expected to be completed by Spring or early Summer 2026, creating separate northbound and southbound lanes.
+
No, all routes to Alabama beaches are now toll-free. The Beach Express was the only toll facility providing beach access.
  
−
=== Does this route connect to other Alabama toll roads? ===
+
=== What happened to Freedom Pass accounts for Beach Express? ===
−
No, the Beach Express is now part of Alabama's toll-free state highway system. It connects to Interstate 10 and other toll-free routes throughout Alabama.
+
All Freedom Pass account balances were refunded by June 30, 2024. Freedom Pass continues to work on Alabama's three remaining toll roads.
  
−
== Related Alabama Beach Routes ==
+
=== Why was the bridge such a poor investment? ===
 +
Investors were told the bridge would have 10 million users annually by 2012, but actual usage was only 2.3 million in 2012 and peaked at 5.5 million in 2022 - significantly below projections.
  
−
'''Alabama Beach Transportation Network:'''
+
== Useful Links & Resources ==
−
* [[alabama-toll-roads-bridges-expressways|Alabama Toll Roads]] - Complete statewide toll information
 
−
* [[alabama-freedom-pass-locations|Alabama Freedom Pass]] - Payment system for remaining toll facilities
 
−
* [[pay-toll-alabama-bridges|Pay Toll Alabama Bridges]] - Other Alabama toll bridges
 
−
* [[montgomery-expressway-toll|Montgomery Expressway]] - Alabama's remaining toll road
 
  
−
'''Regional Beach Access:'''
+
'''Alabama Toll Information:'''
−
* Highway 59 - Traditional route through Gulf Shores
+
* [[alabama-toll-roads-bridges-expressways|Alabama Toll Roads]] - Overview of remaining toll facilities
−
* State Route 182 - Coastal route along Gulf of Mexico
+
* [[freedom-pass-alabama|Alabama Freedom Pass]] - Electronic toll payment for remaining bridges
−
* State Route 180 - Orange Beach connector
+
* [[montgomery-expressway-toll|Montgomery Expressway]] - Active toll bridge in Montgomery
−
* County Road 6 - Local beach access roads
+
* [[emerald-mountain-expressway-toll|Emerald Mountain Expressway]] - Active toll bridge near Montgomery
  
−
== Useful Links & Resources ==
+
'''Regional Information:'''
 +
* [[pay-toll-alabama-bridges|Pay Toll Alabama Bridges]] - Payment methods for remaining toll roads
 +
* [[alabama-beach-access|Alabama Beach Access]] - Complete guide to coastal routes
 +
* [[gulf-shores-transportation|Gulf Shores Transportation]] - Local area travel information
  
−
'''Official Resources:'''
+
'''Contact Information:'''
−
* Alabama Department of Transportation: [https://www.dot.state.al.us/ dot.state.al.us]
+
* Alabama Department of Transportation: (334) 242-6311
−
* City of Orange Beach: [https://www.orangebeachal.gov/ orangebeachal.gov]
+
* SR-161 Information: [https://www.dot.state.al.us/ ALDOT Website]
−
* City of Foley: [https://cityoffoley.org/ cityoffoley.org]
+
* Tourism Information: [https://www.alabama.travel/ Alabama Tourism]
−
* Gulf Shores Tourism: [https://www.gulfshores.com/ gulfshores.com]
+
* Gulf Shores/Orange Beach Tourism: [https://www.gulfshores.com/ Gulf Shores Tourism]
  
 
<div style="text-align: center; margin: 30px 0;">
 
<div style="text-align: center; margin: 30px 0;">
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[https://tollguru.com/toll-calculator-alabama Calculate Alabama Toll Costs]
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== Links for Future Updates ==
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'''Related Pages Requiring Updates:'''
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* High Priority: [[alabama-toll-roads-bridges-expressways]] - Update to reflect Beach Express toll-free status
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* Medium Priority: [[freedom-pass-alabama]] - Remove Beach Express references
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* Historical Context: [[pay-toll-alabama-bridges]] - Add historical Beach Express information
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* Regional Updates: [[gulf-shores-toll-roads]], [[orange-beach-transportation]]
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* Infrastructure Planning: [[alabama-coastal-development]], [[baldwinco-transportation]]
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'''External Links Needing Monitoring:'''
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* ALDOT State Route 161 designation updates
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* Tourism impact studies post-toll elimination
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* Traffic flow analysis and congestion reports
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* Future infrastructure development announcements

Latest revision as of 19:28, 17 July 2025



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Beach Express Alabama: Now Toll-Free State Route 161

Status: Toll-Free Since May 23, 2024
Current Designation: State Route 161
Operator: Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT)
Route: I-10 to Orange Beach/Gulf Shores
Length: 13.5 miles
Previous Toll: $5.00 (eliminated 2024)

Is the Beach Express Still a Toll Road? 2025 Update

No, the Beach Express (formerly Foley Beach Express Bridge) has been toll-free since May 23, 2024. The state of Alabama purchased the bridge for $57 million, immediately eliminating the $5 toll and converting it to State Route 161.

Key Reality: This is Alabama's only former toll road that became toll-free. All routes to Alabama's beaches are now toll-free, making beach access more affordable for residents and tourists.

2025 Status: The bridge operates as a state highway with free-flowing traffic. ALDOT removed toll booths in mid-2024 and continues construction of a parallel Intracoastal Waterway Bridge for improved traffic flow.

Beach Express Route & Access

The former Beach Express toll bridge provides a 13.5-mile limited-access route connecting Interstate 10 with Alabama's Gulf Coast beaches.

Current Access Points

  • North Terminus: Exit 49 on Interstate 10 near Foley
  • South Terminus: Orange Beach and Gulf Shores
  • Alternative To: Highway 59 with significantly reduced traffic and stoplights
  • Speed Limit: 65 mph on most sections

What Changed in 2024

  • May 23, 2024: Tolls eliminated at noon, bridge became toll-free
  • Ownership Transfer: From Baldwin County Bridge Company to Alabama DOT
  • New Designation: Now operates as State Route 161
  • Toll Booth Removal: Completed mid-2024 for free-flowing traffic
  • Future Enhancement: Parallel bridge under construction for Spring/Summer 2026 completion

Historical Toll Information

Bridge History & Investment Performance

The Foley Beach Express opened on June 30, 2000, with initial tolls set at $2.00 per passenger vehicle or $1.00 with a commuter pass. The bridge was a significant disappointment to investors - they were reportedly told that the bridge would have 10 million users a year by 2012. In 2012, the actual number was 2.3 million. Ten years later, in 2022, the year with the highest usage on record to date, just over 5.5 million vehicles used the bridge.

Revenue Sharing History

In 2000, Orange Beach loaned $12 million to Baldwin County Bridge Company, which was repaid with ten annual installments of $1.2 million plus a share of all tolls collected. Since 2014, Orange Beach has received thirty cents of every toll. By the end of 2023, Orange Beach had made a tidy $7.2 million in total profit.

Previous Toll Rates (Eliminated May 2024)

Vehicle Type Cash Rate Freedom Pass Rate Notes
Passenger Cars (2-axle) $5.00 $2.75 One direction only (to beach)
Commercial Vehicles $5.00+ $2.75+ Based on axle count
Motorcycles $5.00 $2.75 Same as passenger cars

Why Tolls Were Eliminated

  • Traffic Congestion: Growing coastal development created traffic bottlenecks
  • Economic Development: Removing tolls supports Alabama's tourism industry and local economic activity
  • Public Pressure: Long-standing community advocacy for toll elimination
  • State Investment: $57 million purchase price plus $3 million for local road improvements

Current Alabama Toll Roads (2025)

With the Beach Express now toll-free, Alabama operates three remaining toll facilities:

Active Toll Roads

Payment Methods for Remaining Toll Roads

  • Alabama Freedom Pass - Electronic toll tag with discounts
  • Cash Payment - Accepted at all toll plazas
  • Credit Cards - Accepted at most facilities
  • Mobile Payment - Alabama Freedom Pass mobile app

Traffic Impact & Benefits

Travel Time Savings

  • Vs Highway 59: 15-30 minutes faster during peak seasons
  • No Traffic Lights: Limited-access design bypasses coastal congestion
  • Peak Season: Most beneficial during summer months and holidays
  • Capacity: Handled 5.5+ million vehicles annually (2022 peak usage)

Economic Benefits

  • Tourist Access: Improved access to Alabama beaches and attractions
  • Local Traffic: Reduced congestion on Highway 59, improved traffic flow
  • Business Impact: Better connectivity for Gulf Shores and Orange Beach businesses
  • Future Growth: Supporting continued coastal development

Future Infrastructure Plans

Intracoastal Waterway Bridge (Under Construction)

  • Completion: Spring/Summer 2026
  • Configuration: Parallel bridge creating one-way pair - Beach Express northbound, new bridge southbound
  • Traffic Flow: Enhanced capacity for beach traffic
  • Funding: Part of Alabama's coastal infrastructure investment

Long-Term Improvements

  • Canal Road widening to five lanes between parallel bridges
  • Intersection improvement at State Route 161/180 intersection in Orange Beach
  • Enhanced traffic management systems
  • Continued coordination with local development projects

Planning Your Beach Trip

Getting to Alabama Beaches (2025)

  • From Birmingham: I-65 South to I-10 East to SR-161 (former Beach Express)
  • From Atlanta: I-85 to I-65 to I-10 to SR-161
  • From Mobile: I-10 East to SR-161
  • From Pensacola: I-10 West to SR-161

Cost Considerations

  • Fuel Only: No tolls on any route to Alabama beaches
  • Alternative Routes: Highway 59 remains available but slower
  • Parking: Beach parking fees may apply at destinations
  • Total Savings: $5+ per trip elimination saves regular visitors hundreds annually

Alabama vs. Regional States

State Beach Access Tolls Toll System Notes
Alabama None (eliminated 2024) 3 remaining toll roads Only state to eliminate beach tolls
Florida Various beach access tolls SunPass statewide Multiple beach toll facilities
Mississippi No beach tolls No toll roads Completely toll-free state
Georgia No beach tolls Limited toll facilities Few toll roads statewide

Frequently Asked Questions

When did the Beach Express become toll-free?

The Beach Express became toll-free at noon on May 23, 2024, when Alabama completed its purchase of the bridge from Baldwin County Bridge Company.

Can I still use the old route to avoid tolls?

The Beach Express IS now the toll-free route. Highway 59 remains available as an alternative but typically takes longer due to traffic lights and congestion.

Will tolls ever return to the Beach Express?

No, as a state-owned highway (SR-161), the Beach Express will remain toll-free under Alabama Department of Transportation operation.

Are there any tolls to Alabama beaches now?

No, all routes to Alabama beaches are now toll-free. The Beach Express was the only toll facility providing beach access.

What happened to Freedom Pass accounts for Beach Express?

All Freedom Pass account balances were refunded by June 30, 2024. Freedom Pass continues to work on Alabama's three remaining toll roads.

Why was the bridge such a poor investment?

Investors were told the bridge would have 10 million users annually by 2012, but actual usage was only 2.3 million in 2012 and peaked at 5.5 million in 2022 - significantly below projections.

Useful Links & Resources

Alabama Toll Information:

Regional Information:

Contact Information:

Links for Future Updates

Related Pages Requiring Updates:

External Links Needing Monitoring:

  • ALDOT State Route 161 designation updates
  • Tourism impact studies post-toll elimination
  • Traffic flow analysis and congestion reports
  • Future infrastructure development announcements
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