The Baldwin County Commission has secured $2 million in federal funding to advance long-planned improvements to County Road 64, a major east–west corridor that serves residents, businesses and visitors across the county.

According to a news release, the funding was obtained through the Fiscal Year 2026 federal appropriations process with support from U.S. Sen. Katie Britt and U.S. Rep. Barry Moore. The allocation moves the project closer to full completion as county leaders work to expand capacity and improve safety along one of Baldwin County's most heavily traveled roadways.

County Road 64 is considered one of the commission's top transportation priorities. The corridor plays a key role in public safety, school access, economic development and regional connectivity, linking Loxley, Belforest and Daphne while providing access to surrounding communities the release said.

The overall project covers approximately two miles and is designed to address increasing traffic demands driven by rapid population growth. Baldwin County is the second fastest-growing county in Alabama, with 88% population growth since 2000. An estimated 40,000 additional residents are expected by 2030, placing continued strain on existing infrastructure.

Improvements along CR-64 will include roadway widening, paved shoulders, upgraded lighting, intersection enhancements with new traffic signals, additional turn lanes and access management measures to reduce potential collision points the release said. Planned intersection safety improvements at CR-64 and CR-54 West are expected to improve traffic flow and student safety, particularly near Belforest Elementary School.

"As a member of the Appropriations Committee, I am deeply proud to deliver real results for communities across Alabama. Through FY26 appropriations bills, I secured over $8.1 million in targeted funding for key projects in Baldwin County, including $2 million for improvements to County Road 64. This investment will not only strengthen our infrastructure, it also reinforces my commitment to advocating for the resources that will deliver lasting benefits to the people of Baldwin County and Alabamians across our state," Britt said in the release.

The corridor also serves as a primary access route to six public schools: Daphne High School, Daphne Middle School, Daphne Elementary School, Belforest Elementary School, Jubilee Elementary School and Loxley Elementary School. In addition to supporting daily school traffic, the roadway provides critical access to State Route 181 and U.S. Highway 98, both designated hurricane evacuation routes, strengthening the county's emergency preparedness network.

The commission has already committed $9.5 million to the effort through a combination of local funding, required contributions from nearby development projects and partnership funding with the Eastern Shore Metropolitan Planning Organization. Design work, right-of-way acquisition and Phase I construction, which included clearing of right-of-way, have been completed.

Phase II is scheduled to begin in 2026 and will involve utility relocations coordinated among seven providers, with completion anticipated in 2027. Phase III, which includes roadway and intersection construction improvements, is expected to begin following the utility work and continue through 2029. The total estimated cost for all phases is approximately $14 million.

"Baldwin County is one of the fastest-growing areas in our state, and I'm proud to have worked alongside the county commission to help secure these critical investments for our community. The improvements to County Road 64 will strengthen local infrastructure and support continued economic growth." Moore said.