Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — The Baldwin County Commission and the City of Foley are teaming up for a road project in south Baldwin County. A new 5,280-foot section of roadway will extend James Road from Brinks Willis Road south. The construction also includes new pedestrian paths. This effort is part of a larger program to improve local traffic flow and safety.

Related: Gulf Shores Eyes Traffic Fixes Near Bridge Project

The announcement came on June 24, 2025. It marks the second project under the Baldwin County Commission’s 30 Cubed Program. The program promotes city-county partnerships to improve transportation across the county.

Foley Mayor Ralph Hellmich said the work is crucial. With more than eight million annual visitors, new routes will ease pressure on major highways. He added that East Pride Drive now connects with both James Road and Pecan Street.

Once finished, the James Road extension will create a continuous route from the southern end of the Baldwin Beach Express to Coastal Gateway Boulevard in Gulf Shores. The road will cross Keller Road and connect to a future route near Rocky Road Loop. The new link will offer an alternate north-south route for drivers in Foley and nearby unincorporated areas of Baldwin County.

The total estimated cost of the project is $4.2 million. Foley and Baldwin County will split the cost evenly. Part of the project is inside the city limits, and part is in unincorporated county land.

Commissioner Charles "Skip" Gruber said the city and county have planned this for years. He called it a big step to help traffic flow. Mayor Ralph Hellmich said such cooperation saves money and benefits everyone in South Baldwin.

The 30 Cubed Program sets aside $30 million by 2030 for shared road projects. Cities must match funds to join. This teamwork helps projects happen sooner than waiting for state or federal help.

The 30 Cubed Program supports cities willing to collaborate on infrastructure needs. It helps address current road issues while planning for future growth. The initiative also covers design, right-of-way, permitting, and utility work.

Foley and Baldwin County have worked together before. They’ve teamed up on Baldwin 65 near Airport Road and Hickory Street improvements. Both have also shared resources on local river and environmental efforts.

Mayor Hellmich noted that the county’s environmental project on Magnolia River mirrors one Foley completed on Bon Secour River. He said efforts like these strengthen the entire south end of the county.