Foley, Ala. — (OBA) —  South Chicago Street in Foley has reopened after several months of closure for improvements. The project added new visual features and pedestrian upgrades along the roadway. City officials said the changes are part of a broader effort to improve access to downtown. The street now includes enhancements to improve both appearance and safety.

Crews from the Foley Public Works and Horticulture Departments completed work on Thursday, including planting trees along the route. The improvements extend from U.S. 98 to the site of a new public library and community center under construction.

The project builds on earlier work completed in May 2025 on North Chicago Street near Heritage Park. That phase included extending East Jessamine Avenue and adding a new gateway entrance to the park, according to the City of Foley.

New features on South Chicago Street include pedestrian walkways, green spaces, and additional street trees. The project is part of a streetscape effort to calm traffic in the downtown area and make the corridor more accessible.

Brick pavers and columns now mark the entrance to South Chicago Street. These elements are designed to complement previous improvements on the north side of Chicago Street, creating a more unified look across the area.

Decorative lighting was also installed by Riviera Utilities as part of the project. City officials said the lighting is intended to improve visibility and enhance the street's overall appearance.

The improvements are expected to create a direct corridor to the city’s new public library. The facility is scheduled to open in the summer and will offer about 40,000 square feet of space, roughly twice the size of the current library.