Two projects aimed at enhancing north-south access in Foley are set to be completed by the end of January. The extension of South Pecan Street and Juniper Street is nearing completion.

The South Pecan Street extension is anticipated to offer an alternative route connecting U.S. 98 and Pride Drive, according to Mayor Ralph Hellmich.

"Our long-awaited South Pecan Street should be completed this month and should be open to the public," Hellmich said.  "It’s that short section right here north of Pride Drive that will allow people another access north and south on the east side of Foley."

On Jan. 2, the Foley City Council approved an additional $400,000 to finalize the project. This funding will encompass expenses like curbing and sidewalks, along with adjustments for inflation since the project's approval in 2020. Foley Construction Manager Jeff Phillips expects sidewalk work to be finished in approximately two weeks.

Hellmich stated that city officials are also optimistic about completing the Juniper Street extension in January. The intersection of Juniper Street and Miflin Road, Baldwin County 20, reopened in December after being closed for the installation of mast arms, mast arm poles, signal heads, sidewalks, curbs, gutters, and transitions for new paving.

The Juniper Street extension will extend south and then west to connect with Alabama 59. While most of the road extension work is done, the city and Alabama Department of Transportation are collaborating on the Alabama 59 intersection.

"We have gotten what I call the northern intersection back open" Helmich said.  "We hope to have that south intersection done. That one is down now where it comes out on Highway 59. That is the transfer point with ALDOT. It moves a little bit slower when we work with our ALDOT partners projects. They’re very thorough, so it can move a little slow."

Upon the completion of both extensions, it is expected that the roads will alleviate traffic pressure on Alabama 59 and city streets, according to Hellmich. Additionally, Foley is collaborating with the state and county on various road projects.

The city and state are planning to solicit bids soon for improvements at the intersection of Alabama 50 and Baldwin County 12. Baldwin County is also working on extending Baldwin County 20 west to Hickory Street, a project included in the county budget for 2025. Hellmich noted that this extension will help ease traffic on Michigan Avenue.