The intersection of South Hickory Street and West Michigan Avenue has reopened following a construction project led by Baldwin County Commission to improve traffic flow and safety at the busy southwest Foley location.
Portions of the intersection had been closed since September while crews upgraded turn signals and added dedicated turn lanes in all four directions. West Michigan Avenue is designated as Baldwin County 26 at the intersection.
The project was carried out through a partnership between the City of Foley and Baldwin County. The Foley City Council approved an intergovernmental agreement with the county in which the city funded the survey and design plans, while Baldwin County oversaw and completed construction.
Ralph Hellmich said reopening the intersection marks the completion of a complex construction effort.
“As I travel representing our city, people ask how we do all this,” Hellmich said. “The County Commission notified us the other day that they will finish and open the entire intersection at Hickory and Michigan. It’s been a very complicated project. It’s very comprehensive.”
Billie Jo Underwood said the improvements will benefit drivers throughout the area.
“Improving our roadway infrastructure is an important part of serving the residents of Baldwin County,” Underwood said. “This project will help improve safety and reduce congestion for the many people who travel through this intersection each day.”
Temporary traffic signals are currently in place and fully operational to manage all turning movements through the intersection. Permanent signals will be installed once the equipment arrives.
“They still will have temporary signals up there that will handle all of the turn movements,” Hellmich said. “When the permanent mast arms come in, they will be installed.”
The permanent mast-arm signal system is designed to withstand hurricane-force winds. County crews are awaiting delivery of the mounting system but installed temporary signals so the intersection could reopen to traffic as soon as possible.