FOLEY – Continuing improvements on East Verbena Avenue will include linking the two sections of the road between Alabama 59 and South Cypress Street.
The Foley City Council voted Monday, Oct. 21, to have a design drawn up to extend the road from the alley one block from Alabama 59 east to the next section of East Verbena at South Cypress Street.
Mayor Ralph Hellmich said the extension will continue the improvements in the area started with work between the alley and Alabama 59.
“The road could be completed down through there, which will, once again, support businesses in that area,” Hellmich said. “It will also clear out that property. This will help adjoining property owners with some of the issues they’ve had with misuse of their property.”
The planned extension of East Verbena Avenue will link areas between Alabama 59 and South Cypress Street, enhancing street connectivity and providing multiple routes across town. The project will reduce congestion and increase walkability, offer more efficient routes for residents and visitors. It will also support the area’s businesses by making the district more accessible.
Hellmich said crews are clearing the right of way where the road will be extended. Workers are taking care to not remove the large oaks near the route.
“There is one live oak that we’ve talked about,” he said. “We can go around it, or we’ll offset it. I believe we have a 100-foot right of way through here, so that issue can be worked out.
The mayor said construction will not begin until the design is approved and the project is placed on the city construction schedule.
Earlier this year, the council approved improvements to the drainage, lighting and roadway on the existing section of East Verbena near Alabama 59. The city also added sidewalks on the highway near the improved section of the road.