February 20, 2026 -- During yesterday’s Commission Meeting, the Baldwin County Commission approved an engineering services agreement with Volkert, Inc. to facilitate design upgrades for the Baldwin Beach Express II (BBE II) project along the northernmost 4.9-mile section of the corridor extending from U.S. Highway 31 to Interstate 65.

Baldwin Beach Express II represents the northern extension of the existing Baldwin Beach Express and will ultimately create a continuous 25-mile transportation corridor from Interstate 10 to Interstate 65.

The updated design will bring the project into compliance with current Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) and AASHTO standards and incorporate several key improvements, including:

• Updated bridge designs • Environmental permitting and coordination

The Baldwin Beach Express II will provide continuous traffic flow that will improve regional mobility, strengthen hurricane evacuation routes, relieve congestion on local roadways, and support continued economic opportunities across Baldwin County, including the Novelis facility.

The design update is anticipated to take approximately 12 months, immediately followed by acquisition of right-of-way, with an expected construction start in approximately 24 months.

The Baldwin County Commission remains committed to strategic infrastructure investments that relieve congestion, strengthen transportation networks, and enhance public safety across the region.