The city of Foley has secured an $800,000 state grant from the Alabama Department of Transportation, aimed at enhancing the city's pedestrian infrastructure through the expansion of sidewalks along Alabama Highway 59. This funding, sourced from the federal Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP), underscores the city's ongoing commitment to improving walkability and safety for its residents. 

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A state grant will help pay to continue the expansion of walkways for pedestrians in Foley. The city is also seeking additional funding for intersection improvements on the Foley Beach Express.

Mayor Ralph Hellmich said the Alabama Department of Transportation approved an $800,000 grant for additional sidewalks in Foley. The grant will be provided through the federal Transportation Alternatives Program, known as TAP.

The mayor said the grant will allow sidewalks to be built along Alabama 59.

“That's really good news for us,” Hellmich said.

The timing of the project will depend on when the state provides the funding. The city is moving forward with sidewalk projects throughout Foley.

The City Council approved $1 million for sidewalk projects in the budget for the 2024-2025 fiscal year that begins Oct. 1. The council had also approved $1 million for walkways in the 2023-2024 budget.

The council also voted Monday, Sept. 16, to apply for a state grant to help pay for intersection improvements on the Beach Express. The city is seeking funds through the Highway Safety Improvement Program.

The city plans to improve the Beach Express intersections with Baldwin County 12, Baldwin County 20 and U.S. 98.

The city is completing work to widen the Beach Express, adding safety shoulders, before transferring the highway to the state. 

Mike Thompson, city administrator, said Foley has been working on intersection improvements on the Beach Express. The city and ALDOT work together to improve state routes, such as Alabama 59 and U.S. 98, that pass through Foley.

“With these three intersections, our goal is to try to complete all three of them in their entirety,” Thompson said. “Where they may need acceleration lanes if they're not there yet, we'd include those. Where they may need a right-turn lane, we would include that. If one needs more lighting, we'd include that. But the idea is to get all three of those intersections completely enhanced.”

Hellmich said the state has worked with Foley to make other improvements on local highways. He said improvements should be complete on the widening of the Beach Express by the end of the year and work should begin soon on improvements at the intersection of Alabama 59 and Baldwin County 12.