GULF SHORES — Some streetscape improvements are coming soon to the beach walking district along East 1st Avenue.

According to documents presented at a Aug. 14 Gulf Shores City Council meeting, this will be phase two of the project and will include new roadways, sidewalks, on-street parking and storm water infrastructure from East 1st Avenue to East 3rd Street.

Phase one of the project improved the streetscape along East Second Avenue, and phase two is to be completed by McElhenney Construction LLC.
According to the proposal, the project is expected to cost approximately $3,681,248.65, and will be partially funded [$1,105,000] through this year's budget, while the remaining costs will be budgeted in 2024.

At the meeting, City Engineer Mark Acreman said he is also planning to go back and complete parts of phase one that were not finished due to overhead power conflicts.

"This project will be a continuation of that phase one," Acreman said. "Primarily it's going to be on-street parking improvements, between East 2nd Street and East 3rd Street. There is a lot of infrastructure that is going on with this project. Most of the work is underground more than it is above ground."

Acreman said phase two is set to begin after Labor Day, and construction will last approximately 270 days, about nine months.

"This is another improvement to the community. It will improve walkability, pedestrian safety and adds additional free on-street parking that we desperately need in the area near the beach," Acreman said. "We are excited to be able to extend this project into the community and open up more areas to pedestrian walkability."