A new shortcut is opening to Alabama's beaches.
A nearly 13-mile stretch of road called the Baldwin Beach Express opens completely to traffic on Friday. Some sections of the road already have been in use.
The road ties in with Interstate 10 north of Robertsdale and connects with the Foley Beach Express to the south.
The highway allows tourists to bypass the towns of Loxley, Robertsdale and Summerdale. Traffic sometimes backs up on Alabama 59 through the county.
The road cost about $87 million. The last section is an interchange at I-10, where a ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held Friday afternoon.
The road provides a new evacuation route for hurricanes besides making it easier for visitors to get to Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Perdido Key.
