Pedestrians in Foley will soon have safer, more connected walkways along one of the city's busiest corridors following a city council vote to expand sidewalks on Alabama 59.

Council members approved funding to extend the pedestrian path from Roosevelt Avenue south to East Azalea Avenue, covering roughly four blocks. The project continues Foley's long-term effort to improve walkability along the highway between downtown and the southern parts of the city.

"This will complete about everything north of Azalea," Mayor Ralph Hellmich said. "There may be one gap that we're missing, but we're working on that."

The sidewalk expansion is part of a broader infrastructure initiative backed by both local and federal support. Federal funding through the Transportation Alternative Program, known as TAP, is playing a key role in moving the work forward.

"We're working on it. This is another section to get done and TAP grants will carry us all the way to Pride and tie into the trails that are already there," Hellmich said. "That may take some time depending on when they approve that, but we're getting there."

Once complete, the sidewalks will connect to existing trails near Pride Drive and Foley High School, further expanding pedestrian access across town.

City Administrator Mike Thompson noted that one undeveloped parcel south of Azalea is not included in the current sidewalk construction. That gap will be addressed in the future when the property is developed, at which point the developer will be required to install sidewalks.

The council previously authorized engineering work in 2024 to design the pedestrian system. The upcoming construction will feature 6-foot-wide sidewalks along with ramps to ensure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.