On Thursday, Governor Ivey announced the acquisition of the Foley Beach Express Bridge after finalizing a $60 million purchase from American Roads LLC, with plans to cease toll collections at noon the Friday before Memorial Day.

Ivey, along with Orange Beach Mayor Tony Kennon and representatives from the Baldwin County Bridge Company, celebrated the agreement and marked the beginning of improvement for beachgoers and Baldwin County residents.

“Alabama’s Gulf Coast continues to experience record growth and success, and I am proud we are making needed infrastructure improvements in the area that will help alleviate traffic congestion for Alabamians and those visiting our beaches,” said Governor Ivey.

“I appreciate Mayor Kennon, the Baldwin County Bridge Company, the Alabama Department of Transportation and all those involved in this agreement that will lead to significant progress for our Coastal communities.”

According to the Governor’s office, the sale is expected to close in May, with the collection of tolls to cease at noon on the date of the closing. A date for the closing will be announced as soon as it is scheduled. ALDOT’s construction of the Intracoastal Waterway Bridge will continue, with completion expected in Spring or early Summer 2026. Upon completion, the Beach Express Bridge will be converted to carry northbound traffic and the new ALDOT bridge will carry southbound traffic – creating “one-way pairs,” parallel paired bridges to move traffic more efficiently to and from Alabama’s beaches.

Current toll account holders will be able add funds to their existing accounts until a few days prior to closing. Refunds of any remaining account balances will begin in June. Further information related to account refunds is available at www.beachexpress.com.

Grayson Everett is the state and political editor for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @Grayson270