UPDATE: ALDOT says traffic flow has improved since toll booths were removed—here are the numbers

The removal of tolls along the Baldwin Beach Express has been improving traffic, according to new numbers from the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT).

The toll booths were removed before Memorial Day—leaving the summer travel season free (literally) and clear for travelers. Now, we know just how much more efficient the route is.

Big picture

There are two ways to get to the beach—the Beach Express and Highway 59.

The Beach Express was faster but required a toll. Highway 59 takes longer but is a free route.

Now that the faster route is also free to use—and data shows folks are flocking to it. Compared to last year, when there was a toll in place, an extra 257,000 vehicles took the Beach Express this June—that’s a 44% increase.

During Independence Day festivities, data suggests that 47,000 fewer cars took the Highway 59 route to hit the beaches when compared with 2023 data.

More in store

This isn’t the end of ALDOT’s plans to make getting to the beaches faster and easier.

Highway 59 is also expanding and adding a third lane on either side for a total of six lanes.

Once a new Intracoastal Waterway Bridge is built along SR-161, traffic will be split between the Intracoastal Waterway Bridge and the Baldwin Beach Express. That’s slated for 2026.

Want more updates like this one in your inbox? Subscribe to our FREE newsletter!