FOLEY – Foley’s walkway over Alabama 59 at the north entrance to downtown Foley will be getting some renovations and maintenance following action by the City Council.
The council approved new lights for the bridge at a cost of about $12,000. Jeff Phillips, Foley construction manager, said that since the bridge was completed, some lights have been lost to time, water infiltration and other damage.
“Over the years the lights have been damaged by vandalism and just weather and just not being maintained,” Phillips said. “This will replace the lights and we are going to put in a maintenance program or check them every year when we do the clock tower.”
City officials are also working on plans to clean and pressure wash the structure.
The bridge opened in 2016, one year after the nearby Centennial Clock Tower. The 110-foot walkway allows pedestrians to cross Alabama 59 while avoiding the traffic on the busy highway.
The bridge is about one block north of the intersection of Alabama 59 and U.S. 98. The structure links John B. Foley Park to the east with the intersection of West Jessamine Street.
Pedestrians can use the bridge by climbing stairs at either end of the structure or by taking elevators installed on each side.
The bridge was funded by a federal Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery grant. The city received $4.7 million which helped pay the cost of the bridge and 30 miles of new sidewalks and walking paths.
The total cost of the overall project in 2016 was $6.3 million. The bridge cost about $1.5 million.