Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — The City of Foley looks to add new turn lanes on South Juniper Street to ease growing traffic in the southeast part of the city. The project centers on the busy stretch near Iberville Square, where drivers often face delays. City officials say the changes should make the road safer and smoother for motorists. The plans reflect years of growth and increasing pressure on local streets.

The Foley City Council approved the turn-lane project at its April 6 meeting. The city will now issue a request for bids to build the improvements. The work will add new turn lanes on South Juniper Street near Beignet Drive, a key access point for surrounding neighborhoods and businesses.

City engineer Taylor Davis said the additions are meant to help drivers move more easily through the area. “This is for a left-turn lane onto Beignet Drive on Juniper Street,” Davis said. “This has been in our capital plan for a couple of years now. Obviously, with the amount of traffic on Juniper Street, this would be a project that would be warranted.”

The project calls for a new southbound left-turn lane onto Beignet Drive. City planners also intend to add a median island in the center of the roadway. That island is expected to include future landscaping to help calm traffic and encourage drivers to slow down through that section of Juniper Street.

The new lanes will be built between East Lawson Avenue and Beignet Drive. According to city officials, the design work for the project is already complete. With plans in place, Foley is moving into the construction phase and will seek contractors through the public bidding process.

City revenue from impact fees will pay for the turn lane construction. Impact fees are charges that developers pay when they build new homes in the area. The city uses those funds for park additions and expansions, and for roadway intersection improvements needed due to the impacts of new development.