Gulf State Park and the City of Gulf Shores has implemented a new speed limit on Alabama Highway 135, one of the gateways to the park. On Tuesday, October 23, the speed limit shifted to 26 mph.

Public safety is the goal for the reduction in the limit from 35 mph, particularly in light of the increased use along the route for hikers, bikers, walkers and other park guests.

“We believe the unusual speed limit on the signs will help drivers take note and slow down,” said Gulf Shores Chief of Police Edward J. Delmore. “The new limit of 26 miles an hour emphasizes that something is different.”

New signage and radar reminders will be activated along Alabama 135 and there will be an increased presence of the Gulf Shores Police and Alabama State Parks rangers to enforce the speed limit.

“This route is an entrance to our beautiful Gulf State Park, not just another state road,” said Chris Blankenship, Commissioner of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. “Highway 135 brings people to the park’s campground, to the Nature Center, cottages and cabins and the golf course. Park guests bike, walk and hike along Highway 135. It’s important that traffic is managed at a reasonable and safe speed in this area.”

With the November opening of The Lodge at Gulf State Park, even more traffic is expected to use the 2.138-mile Alabama 135 to get to the park and its new 350-room hotel and conference center. Gulf Shores and parks officials agreed lowering the speed limit in advance of the opening would be beneficial to park guests.

“We are proud of all the enhancements recently made at the park,” said Gary Ellis, Gulf State Park Director of Community Relations and Administration. “Alabama 135 is a route into a special neighborhood, one that all kinds of travelers use, not just vehicles. We believe the road sets the tone for our guests, who come from all over the country to relax and enjoy the joys of the outdoors that we have to offer. This speed limit change is for the safety of our guests and we appreciate the support of the Gulf Shores Police Department in this effort.”

The approximately 6,500-acre Gulf State Park includes three miles of white sand beaches, with restored sand dunes, the Gulf of Mexico’s longest fishing pier and 28 miles of walking and biking trails. The park is made up of nine ecosystems. 

The Lodge at Gulf State Park is a model of resilient, environmentally friendly coastal development where connectivity to the outdoors is a central focus. Designed to meet LEED Gold and SITES Platinum Certifications, the lodge will have 40,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space. The Lodge at Gulf State Park also features the largest beach view ballroom on the Gulf Coast, accommodating groups of up to 1,000, a Gulf-front pool and Gulf-front restaurant with house-prepared and locally sourced regional specialties.