A heavily traveled intersection in southeast Foley is set for significant improvements after state officials approved a $2 million grant aimed at boosting safety and easing congestion.

Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) awarded the funding through the Alabama Transportation Rehabilitation and Improvement Program II, known as ATRIP II, to upgrade the intersection of Miflin Road and the Foley Beach Express.

City officials said the project has been in development for more than two years as Foley worked closely with ALDOT to finalize plans. Mayor Ralph Hellmich credited City Engineer Taylor Davis and municipal staff for helping secure the grant and shape the project.

“Taylor and the staff have worked with ALDOT to get the absolute best safety improvements we can do under the current guidelines,” Hellmich said. “You can always do any intersection better, but this is going to be in line with all the other intersections on the Beach Express. The ambient lighting alone is going to improve safety. This is a real improvement for that major intersection.”

The upgrades will include new turn lanes, improved traffic signals and enhanced lighting designed to increase visibility and reduce the risk of crashes along one of the city’s busiest corridors.

Foley Beach Express, a key connector for residents and visitors traveling to coastal destinations, was transferred to state control in 2025 after the city completed widening and resurfacing work. ALDOT subsequently designated the roadway as Alabama 161, bringing it into the state highway system.

Under the agreement, ALDOT will oversee construction while the city of Foley will manage the project’s design.

Councilman Charles Ebert III said the improvements will mark a substantial step forward for traffic flow at the intersection, even if they do not address every concern.

“It’s going to take this intersection a long way from where it is right now,” Ebert said. “It's not going to get us 100% of what we want, but it's going to take it a lot further to where it needs to be.”