Orange Beach
Orange Beach Highway 161 Wetland Restoration
PURPOSE
The objective of this project is to alter the contours of the east Highway 161 Right-of-Way to create a serpentine wetland system out of the current system of uplands/wetlands occurring along this section of five-lane highway right-of-way. The area to be physically altered is approximately one (1) acre, but the anticipated effect on the recieving waters of Cotton Bayou would be greatly improved water quality inputs (removal of heavy metals, nutrients, etc.) through greater scrubbing, biological treatment, on and offline treatment, aeration, increased retention/detention times, and controlled release rates. Additionally, ample oppoutunities for public outreach and education along this project area are significant, as the project area encompasses a well-established pedestrian and biking trail. The project area is highly visible from the well-travelled Highway 161 corridor, which during the summer season, is travelled by approximately 15,000 vehicle trips, daily.
Canal Road Overlay District
PURPOSE
The purpose of this project is to develop an overlay district for Canal Road that will implement coastal planning through the promotion of low impact development. Canal Road is a major arterial corridor providing east/west connectivity and access to Foley Beach Express, Gulf Shores, and numerous businesses. During the City's explosive growth of the last decade, traffic along the two-lane road has increased prompting the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) to begin plans to increase the roads capacity through the construction of a five-lane undivided roadway. Although the proposed five-lane undivided highway will meet traffic needs, it will fall short of implementing sound coastal planning. This project seeks to create an overlay district that improves traffic efficiency while still protecting the coastal environment, utilizing low impact design, incorporating "green features", and making it pedestrian and bicycle friendly.