Hand-painted artwork will soon transform several crosswalks in downtown Foley, adding visual interest while promoting pedestrian safety and walkability.

The Foley City Council has approved plans to temporarily close select streets and alleys for approximately two days at a time to allow for the installation of artwork by artist Ragan Windsor. The project is being coordinated by Foley Main Street, the city’s downtown improvement organization, and is funded through a grant from Main Street Alabama, Darrelyn Dunmore, executive director of Foley Main Street, said.

Some planned locations for the decorative crosswalks include:

  • West Orange Avenue near South Alston Street

  • The intersection of West Jessamine Avenue and South Alston Street

  • The alley west of the Foley Post Office

  • Near Cheeseburger Randy’s on South Alston Street

  • Near the South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce building

Only one street or alley will be closed at a time during installation, with most locations completed within two to three days. The project is expected to be finished by the end of March. Work will take place early in the week to avoid peak weekend traffic, and advance notices will be posted along highways and nearby streets to alert drivers of temporary closures.

Studies support the safety benefits of artistic crosswalk designs. Dunmore noted that research from Bloomberg Philanthropies found that creatively designed crosswalks improve visibility and driver awareness, contributing to safer pedestrian environments. The study reported a 50% decrease in crashes involving pedestrians or other vulnerable road users at sites where artistic crosswalks were installed.

The project also supports the City of Foley’s Comprehensive Plan, which emphasizes connectivity and increased pedestrian activity in downtown and other areas of the community.

By combining public art, safety, and walkability, the decorative crosswalk project is another step in creating a more vibrant, accessible, and inviting downtown Foley for residents and visitors alike.

“When we’re talking about connectivity, we want to get people out walking,” Dunmore said. “These crosswalks make walking downtown more interesting and enjoyable. By placing them near public parking, we’re creating a fun and engaging experience for pedestrians while encouraging drivers to slow down. This is just the beginning.”