Foley, Ala. – (OBA) – Foley's city leadership has taken a significant step towards enhancing pedestrian infrastructure along Alabama 59. The Foley City Council has approved the acceptance of an $800,000 Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) grant, which will fund approximately two-thirds of a sidewalk extension project.



The project aims to improve connectivity between East Pride Drive and Azalea Avenue by constructing new sidewalks along Alabama 59. This initiative is estimated to cost around $1.2 million in total.

The Alabama Department of Transportation is responsible for awarding this grant, which will play a crucial role in facilitating safer and more accessible pedestrian routes in the area. This development demonstrates Foley's commitment to enhancing its urban infrastructure and promoting walkability within the city.

Mayor Ralph Hellmich said the project will link existing walkways along the highway.

“This will complete the connectivity on Highway 59,” Hellmich said. “I know this has been something that we've been asking for years and we were successful.”

He said a previous TAP grant helped pay to build sidewalks in the area of Ninth Avenue, improving connectivity around Foley schools.

“We got that project completed enough to where we can proceed with this one,” Hellmich said. “That was a very good grant that will allow us to do this work.”

The council also voted to have Capstone Engineering prepare the design for the new sidewalks. The city will go to bid on the project when the design is complete and ALDOT approves the project.

Hellmich said state approval has taken up to two years for previous TAP projects, but funding has been approved, and the design process is beginning.

The city is also continuing work on sidewalks paid with municipal funds. The City Council approved $1 million for sidewalks in the current budget that went into effect Oct. 1. The previous budget also included $1 million in city funding for sidewalks.

Recently completed sidewalks in the program include walkways on North Cedar Street and Hickory Street. Foley is also working on sidewalks in the Mills community. Future plans include extending sidewalks west on Fern Avenue from Cedar Street.