Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — Foley officials say the intersection of South Hickory Street and West Michigan Avenue is open again after months of construction at the busy crossroads in southwest Foley. The project aimed to improve safety and help traffic flow more smoothly through the area. Local leaders noted that the work was complex but essential for residents and drivers. The reopening is expected to reduce delays that drivers experienced during the closure.

Parts of the intersection have been closed since September 2025 while crews worked on the site. The construction project started that month and continued into early 2026. Work included upgrading the traffic signals and adding dedicated turn lanes in all four directions at the intersection. Officials said those changes should make turns safer and reduce backups.

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The project was conducted under Baldwin County's supervision and direction during the construction phase. The intersection of West Michigan Avenue is designated as Baldwin County 26. The Foley City Council earlier approved an intergovernmental agreement with the Baldwin County Commission to carry out the improvements. Under that agreement, the city and county divided different parts of the work.

Under the deal, the city of Foley paid for the survey and the creation of the design plans for the upgraded intersection. Baldwin County then took those plans and carried out the construction work on the ground. City and county leaders said the partnership allowed the project to progress more efficiently. Both governments described the intersection as an important route for local traffic.

Mayor Ralph Hellmich said the reopening follows an extended effort at the busy crossing. “The County Commission notified us the other day that they will finish and open the entire intersection at Hickory and Michigan,” Hellmich said. “It’s been a very complicated project. It’s very comprehensive.”

Baldwin County Commissioner Billie Jo Underwood said the work will directly affect drivers who use the route daily. “Improving our roadway infrastructure is an important part of serving Baldwin County residents,” Underwood said. “This project will help enhance safety and reduce congestion for the many people who travel through this intersection each day.”

For now, temporary traffic signals are in place at the intersection to manage the new turn lanes and traffic movements. Permanent signals will be installed once all the needed equipment arrives from the supplier. Officials said the goal was to reopen the intersection as soon as it was safe, even if the final hardware is still on order. The temporary setup is designed to handle all turn movements until the permanent structures are ready.

Hellmich said the permanent mast arms supporting the traffic signals are designed to endure hurricane-force winds. The county is still awaiting delivery of the mounting system for these arms. Meanwhile, temporary signals enable the intersection to function under the new traffic pattern. City and county leaders hope the completed project will serve drivers well for many years.