FOLEY – A new joint project between the City of Foley and Baldwin County will provide South Baldwin drivers with another north-south route, improving traffic flow between Foley and the Gulf Coast.

The Foley City Council has approved participation in the extension of James Road, which currently ends at Brinks Willis Road. The project will extend the road southward, crossing Keller Road and connecting to a planned roadway near the Rocky Road Loop in Gulf Shores. The Baldwin County Commission has also approved the project.

The extension is a shared effort, with funding and responsibilities divided between the city and the county. Portions of the new road will lie within Foley’s city limits, while other sections will be in unincorporated Baldwin County.

“This is something the county and city have been discussing for some time,” said Baldwin County Commissioner Charles “Skip” Gruber. “It’s going to make a real difference in traffic movement through the area. Every new route helps.”

Mayor Ralph Hellmich said regional collaboration is essential to improving infrastructure that benefits both city residents and neighboring communities.

“People may not always realize how much coordination happens between Foley and Baldwin County,” Hellmich said. “Traffic doesn’t stop at city limits. Water doesn’t either. We work closely with the county to make smart, strategic improvements, and that cooperation adds up to millions of dollars invested in our region.”

The James Road extension is one of several recent collaborations between Foley and Baldwin County. Other joint projects include:

  • Intersection improvements at Hickory Street

  • The extension of Baldwin County 20

  • Upgrades to County Road 65 near Airport Road, which the city recently assumed responsibility for

Mayor Hellmich emphasized that city and county officials continue to share resources and expertise on a range of initiatives.

“Our staff work together across departments—from environmental efforts to engineering,” Hellmich said. “They’re working on a major environmental project on the Magnolia River that mirrors work we’ve done on the Bon Secour River. These kinds of partnerships are why things get done in South Baldwin.”

The James Road extension is part of Baldwin County’s 30-Cubed initiative, which sets aside $30 million for collaborative transportation projects with municipalities by the year 2030. Participating cities, including Foley, provide matching funds to accelerate improvements without waiting for state or federal support.

Gruber said the program is already making a difference.
“With 30-Cubed, we’re able to move forward on important projects faster,” he said. “It’s a smart way to invest in our communities.”