Speed limits are changing in parts of Foley to help make driving speeds more consistent across city streets. The new rules focus on neighborhoods in the southwest part of town. The goal is to create a smoother and safer flow of traffic. Officials say it will also help drivers better understand what speed to follow.

On Monday, May 5, the Foley City Council gave final approval to a new ordinance. It standardizes speed limits in several neighborhoods in the southwest section of the city.

The council also voted to lower the speed limit on James Road.

Wayne Dyess, Foley executive director for infrastructure and development, said the changes will make speed limits more consistent around the city.

“It was brought to our attention in the southeast quadrant that there were some inconsistencies in some of our streets that were really no different than other streets,” Dyess said. “We felt that we can go in and standardize that.”

The quadrant is bordered on the north by U.S. 98 and on the south by West Azalea Avenue. The eastern boundary of the section is South Alston Street. South Cedar Street marks the western edge of the area. The area includes Max Griffin Park, the Sarah Thompson Kids Park and the Foley municipal swimming pool.

Speed limits on streets in the area will include 20 miles an hour on Orange Avenue, Myrtle Avenue, Pedigo Avenue, Oak Street and Pine Street. Some streets near the parks will have 15 mile an hour speed limits, including Verbena Avenue and Roosevelt Avenue.

Dyess said the city is looking at other areas of Foley to determine if speed limits should be adjusted as the area develops.

“We will continue to look at the remainder of the city,” Dyess said. “As we grow, traffic needs and uses are impacted and changed. This, to us, makes a lot of sense. It meets the needs of that area.”

The council also reduced the speed limit on James Road near the Cottages on the Greene subdivision from 35 miles an hour to 25. The speed limit will be reduced on a section of James Road that extends 1,380 feet north of the intersection of Baldwin County 12.

“James Road, for many years, was a dirt road, so people didn't speed too badly,” Dyess said. “Now it's a paved road, and it's adjacent to the Cottages on the Green, which is a very intensive development very close to the road. By slowing it down, it will make it a little bit safer through that subdivision.”