Foley is set to enhance its pedestrian infrastructure with the help of an $800,000 state grant approved by the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT).

Mayor Ralph Hellmich announced that the funding, provided through the federal Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP), will facilitate the construction of new sidewalks along Alabama 59.

"That's really good news for us," Hellmich said, emphasizing the significance of the grant for the city's ongoing sidewalk expansion efforts. The timing of the project will depend on when the state releases the funds, but the city is already moving forward with sidewalk initiatives throughout Foley.

In addition to the sidewalk expansion, Foley City Council recently approved $1 million for such projects in the budget for the 2024-2025 fiscal year, which began Oct. 1. This builds on another $1 million allocated for walkway projects in the previous fiscal year.

Council also voted on Sept. 16 to apply for a state grant through the Highway Safety Improvement Program to support intersection improvements on the Foley Beach Express. The city aims to enhance intersections with Baldwin County 12, Baldwin County 20, and U.S. 98 to ensure safer travel for both vehicles and pedestrians.

City Administrator Mike Thompson noted that Foley has been actively working on these intersection enhancements. The city is currently completing work to widen the Beach Express, which includes adding safety shoulders before transferring the highway to the state.

"With these three intersections, our goal is to try to complete all three of them in their entirety," Thompson said. "Where they may need acceleration lanes if they're not there yet, we'd include those. Where they may need a right-turn lane, we would include that. If one needs more lighting, we'd include that. But the idea is to get all three of those intersections completely enhanced."

Hellmich expressed appreciation for ALDOT's partnership with Foley in making improvements to local highways. He anticipates that the widening of the Beach Express will be complete by the end of the year, with work on the intersection of Alabama 59 and Baldwin County 12 set to begin soon.