Traffic improvements are on the way for one of Foley’s roadways, with plans moving forward to enhance intersections along Michigan Avenue. City officials have approved engineering work for two upcoming roundabout projects, while Baldwin County is preparing upgrades for another intersection under its jurisdiction. The goal is to improve traffic flow and safety for drivers in the area. Mayor Ralph Hellmich said construction could start as early as this fall.

The Foley City Council voted at its most recent meeting to approve plans for traffic circles at Michigan Avenue’s intersections with Cedar Street and Juniper Street. On the county side, improvements are also planned at Michigan and Hickory Street, including upgraded traffic signals and dedicated turn lanes. Both the city and county aim to have projects underway in the coming months.

Engineering work for the Foley roundabouts will include ground-penetrating radar studies to locate any utility lines under the intersections before construction begins. Mayor Hellmich said the Cedar Street project is nearly ready to break ground, with only a few final steps remaining. If work goes as planned, crews could start construction on Cedar Street this fall, followed soon after by the Juniper Street roundabout.

The Michigan Avenue improvements have been in the works for several years, according to city officials. Hellmich noted that the planning process has taken time but is now reaching the action stage. “These have been long-awaited projects, but they’re moving forward like several others,” he said during the meeting.

Baldwin County’s upgrades at Michigan and Hickory Street are also expected to start this fall. City leaders say the combined efforts between Foley and Baldwin County will help create smoother, safer traffic flow along one of Foley’s most traveled corridors.