The Alabama Department of Transportation began dredging Little Lagoon Pass in Gulf Shores this week, part of a court-mandated effort to keep saltwater flowing into one of Baldwin County’s most ecologically important coastal lakes.
Under a 1992 court order, the state highway department must keep the pass dredged to a depth of at least three feet so tidal water can move freely between the Gulf of Mexico and Little Lagoon, a roughly 2,480-acre lake prized by anglers, paddlers and wildlife watchers. Because of its shallow depth, the pass isn’t considered navigable for larger boat traffic.
City of Gulf Shores Public Works Director Mark Acreman said the dredging and sand placement work would affect beaches within about half a mile west of the pass, with the impacted stretch estimated to run roughly from the 1755 to 1783 blocks of West Beach Boulevard. Acreman said the project is expected to take several months to complete.
The work comes on the heels of major construction nearby. The pass itself was widened to 80 feet as part of the build-out of the new Lee Callaway Bridge, which opened to traffic in April. Final work on the bridge and surrounding roadways is expected to wrap up by the end of summer.
Little Lagoon has long been a focal point for coastal management discussions in Baldwin County, balancing recreational use, property values and the lagoon’s delicate water quality. Routine dredging of the pass is considered essential to prevent the lagoon from stagnating, a step that supports fish and shellfish populations many local anglers depend on.
Beachgoers and residents near the affected stretch of West Beach Boulevard were advised to expect equipment and periodic access changes as dredging crews work through the summer months.
City officials said they would continue coordinating with ALDOT throughout the project to minimize disruptions for beachgoers during the peak of the summer tourist season, while emphasizing that the maintenance work remains necessary to protect the lagoon’s long-term health.