Beach Express Toll: Alabama's Foley Beach Express Complete Guide 2025
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Beach Express Toll: Alabama's Now Toll-Free Route
Current Status: TOLL-FREE since May 23, 2024
System: Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT)
Route: 14-mile expressway connecting Orange Beach to Foley, Alabama
Designation: State Route 161 (as of 2024)
Alternative to: Congested Highway 59 route to Gulf Shores
Do I Need to Pay Tolls on Beach Express? 2025 Update
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.
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.
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.
Beach Express Historical Toll Costs
Understanding the toll history helps explain why this toll-free conversion is significant for Alabama beachgoers and the local economy.
Historical Toll Rates (2000-2024)
| Period | Standard Rate | Resident Rate | Operator |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000-2007 | $2.00 | $1.00 (with commuter pass) | Baldwin County Bridge Company |
| 2007-2010 | $3.00 | $1.50 (Orange Beach residents) | Alinda Roads LLC |
| 2010-2024 | $3.50 | $1.50 (Orange Beach residents) | American Roads LLC |
| 2024 (Final) | $5.00 | $1.50 (Orange Beach residents) | Baldwin County Bridge Company |
| May 23, 2024-Present | $0.00 (FREE) | $0.00 (FREE) | Alabama Department of Transportation |
Why Tolls Were Eliminated
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.
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.
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.
Beach Express Route Information
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.
Route Details
Southern Terminus: Intersection with SR 180 (Canal Road) in northwestern Orange Beach
Northern Terminus: Intersection with SR 59 in the far north part of Foley
Key Bridge: 2,000-foot span at 73 feet height crossing the Intracoastal Waterway (Portage Creek)
Extension: Baldwin Beach Express continues north 12.8 miles to Interstate 10 at Exit 49
Major Destinations Served
- Orange Beach: Direct access to beaches, resorts, and marina facilities
- Gulf Shores: Easy connection to Alabama's premier beach destination
- Foley: Access to outlets, shopping, and inland attractions
- Perdido Key: Connection to Florida border beaches
- Interstate 10: Major east-west corridor connection
Current Traffic Management (2025)
Toll Plaza Status: Demolition of the toll plaza will happen soon after toll collection ceased permanently on May 23, 2024.
Temporary Measures: Reduced speeds of 35-40 mph through the former toll plaza area until full roadway reconfiguration is complete.
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.
Recent Changes (2024-2025)
May 23, 2024: Alabama Department of Transportation purchased the bridge for $57 million, eliminating tolls at noon
State Route Designation: The highway is redesignated as an extension of State Route 161 north
Maintenance Transfer: ALDOT assumes maintenance of both the Foley Beach Expressway and Baldwin Beach Express north to Interstate 10
Additional Payments: $3 million paid to Orange Beach for local road improvements
Future Projects: ALDOT committed to widening Canal Road to five lanes and State Route 161/180 intersection improvements
Planning Your Beach Journey
Travel Benefits
- Time Savings: Shaves off miles and minutes from crossing the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway at SR 59 in Gulf Shores
- Cost Savings: Completely free alternative to former $5 toll
- Traffic Avoidance: Safe and fast toll road option to save time, money and gas as an alternative to Highway 59
- Less Congestion: Avoids numerous stop lights and traffic delays
Access Points
- From Interstate 10: Exit 49 (Baldwin Beach Express) - direct connection
- From Foley: SR 59 intersection in north Foley
- From Orange Beach: SR 180 (Canal Road) intersection
- Mid-route Access: County Roads 8, 12, and 20 provide additional access
Beach Express vs. Alternative Routes
| Route | Distance | Travel Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beach Express (SR 161) | 14 miles | 18-25 minutes | FREE |
| Highway 59 | 16 miles | 25-45 minutes | FREE |
| State Route 182 | 22 miles | 30-50 minutes | FREE |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Beach Express really toll-free now?
Yes, completely toll-free since May 23, 2024. The Alabama Department of Transportation purchased the bridge and eliminated all tolls permanently.
What happened to the toll booths?
The toll plaza is scheduled for demolition. Traffic currently flows through temporarily configured lanes with reduced speeds until the roadway is fully reconfigured.
Will there be any future tolls?
No, the route is now permanently maintained by the Alabama Department of Transportation as a toll-free state highway (SR 161).
When will the new bridge be completed?
The companion bridge across the Intracoastal Waterway is expected to be completed by Spring or early Summer 2026, creating separate northbound and southbound lanes.
Does this route connect to other Alabama toll roads?
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.
Related Alabama Beach Routes
Alabama Beach Transportation Network:
- Alabama Toll Roads - Complete statewide toll information
- Alabama Freedom Pass - Payment system for remaining toll facilities
- Pay Toll Alabama Bridges - Other Alabama toll bridges
- Montgomery Expressway - Alabama's remaining toll road
Regional Beach Access:
- Highway 59 - Traditional route through Gulf Shores
- State Route 182 - Coastal route along Gulf of Mexico
- State Route 180 - Orange Beach connector
- County Road 6 - Local beach access roads
Useful Links & Resources
Official Resources:
- Alabama Department of Transportation: dot.state.al.us
- City of Orange Beach: orangebeachal.gov
- City of Foley: cityoffoley.org
- Gulf Shores Tourism: gulfshores.com
