FOLEY — The City of Foley is moving quickly to improve safety and visibility at the intersection of Baldwin County 65 and Airport Road, as well as at other key locations around the city.
Following the city’s acquisition of the intersection from Baldwin County in June, crews have already installed two new streetlights at the site, with plans to add two more in the coming weeks.
“This was the intersection we took over from the county, and we’re moving very quickly,” Mayor Ralph Hellmich said. “Residents have already noticed a difference and are looking forward to the brighter lighting.”
The city also reduced the speed limit on its section of County 65 to improve safety in the area. Next steps include installing a four-way stop at the intersection, along with rumble strips to alert drivers to slow down. The new stop signs will feature solar-powered lighting to increase visibility.
“People have been driving up that road since I was a kid and have never had to stop, so we need to prepare them for the new stop sign,” Hellmich said.
Plans also call for extending sidewalks from the Mills Community westward to connect with other Foley walkways on the east side of the intersection. A crosswalk will be added once the sidewalk project reaches the site.
“As soon as the sidewalk is in place, we will add the crosswalk and complete the improvements at one time,” Hellmich said.
In addition to the work at County 65 and Airport Road, the Foley City Council also approved installing new streetlights at the intersection of South Hinckley Street and Orlando, and approved improvements to lighting at Acorn Drive and Fourth Avenue.
These projects are part of Foley’s ongoing efforts to improve safety and walkability throughout the community.