Foley's comprehensive road resurfacing and repair initiative is moving forward and  set to include the installation of a traffic island along South Alston Street. This strategic move aims to assess the efficiency of similar infrastructure in mitigating traffic issues along Alabama 59.

The approved project, totaling $1.49 million in base bids, encompasses resurfacing and street repair projects, alongside four additional enhancements to the primary bid for other street initiatives.

Among these additions is a $65,604 allocation designated for the construction of a traffic island positioned in the center of Alston Street, spanning between West Orange Avenue and West Myrtle Avenue. Mayor Ralph Hellmich emphasized the potential of this undertaking in addressing traffic concerns prevalent on Alabama 59, situated just a block eastward.

On Alabama 59, motorists often exploit the center turn lane to traverse more than a single block to circumvent traffic congestion. This practice poses challenges for drivers utilizing the middle lane for legal turns, as they navigate around vehicles traveling in the center of the roadway.

Hellmich emphasized the importance of the Alston Street project as a pilot study for evaluating the effectiveness of traffic islands within Foley's street infrastructure.

“This will be a low-cost test, so to speak,” Hellmich said. “We want to place that in the middle. It will still be two lanes. There will still be turns. The most impact will be on the south end of that little section. There are a couple of businesses there, but they’re within less than 30 yards of the intersection, so I don’t believe it’s going to be that big a deal.”

Moreover, the design of the project ensures the preservation of trees lining the route. In tandem with this initiative, Foley officials aim to enhance street lighting along the Alston Street stretch by implementing a moon lighting system. This system will illuminate tree trunks and branches, casting a reflective glow onto the street below.

“What that will do is place lighting in the trunk of the tree up high where you can’t see it until it lights up the canopy, which will reflect down and it will brighten up Alston Street and will help pedestrians,” Hellmich said. “It’s a pretty dark road and it will help businesses along the way.”

City officials plan to engage with local business and property owners to discuss the advantages of these street and lighting enhancements.

“We will talk to them and make sure they understand what the advantages are,” Hellmich said.

An additional component of the project includes enhancements to the parking lot of Riviera Utilities, with costs shared between the city and Riviera. Other endeavors encompass alleyway improvements and enhancements to Canterberry Circle.