Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — Foley is proceeding with plans to upgrade the Miflin Road intersection on Alabama State Route 161 (Foley Beach Express). The Alabama Department of Transportation approved a $2 million grant for the project, which is located in southeast Foley. Mayor Ralph Hellmich said the improvements will significantly benefit drivers.

The city has been collaborating with ALDOT for over two years to prepare for the project. In 2025, Foley transferred the Foley Beach Express to the state after widening and resurfacing it. The state then designated the route as Alabama 161.

That transfer laid the groundwork for the current grant agreement. According to the agreement, ALDOT will manage the construction of the improvements, while Foley will supervise the design phase of the project.

The funding is provided by the Alabama Transportation Rehabilitation and Improvement Program II, known as ATRIP II. It is a state initiative focused on funding road and safety improvements throughout Alabama.

Hellmich praised City Engineer Taylor Davis and other city staff for their efforts. He stated that the team worked closely with ALDOT to maximize the program's potential. "Taylor and the staff have worked with ALDOT to get the absolute best safety improvements we can do under the current guidelines," Hellmich said.

"You can always do any intersection better, but this is going to be in line with all the other intersections on the Beach Express," he said. "The ambient lighting alone is going to improve safety. This is a real improvement for that major intersection."

Councilman Charles Ebert III also supported the project. He described it as a significant step forward for traffic on Miflin Road and Alabama 161. Ebert said the improvements might not solve all issues but will steer the intersection in the right direction.

"It's going to take this intersection a long way from where it is right now," Ebert said. "It's not going to get us 100% of what we want, but it's going to take it a lot further to where it needs to be."

The scheduled project includes turn lanes and signal upgrades, as well as lighting improvements. Officials state the new lighting will enhance safety at night and align with what has been installed at other intersections along Alabama 161.