Work is complete on a series of improvements to one of the busiest intersections in Foley. Contractors and engineers have finished the project at Baldwin County 12 and Alabama 59 ahead of schedule. Foley leaders say the work will ease congestion and improve safety for drivers. Residents who use the crossroads every day are already noticing a difference.

The project was formally declared finished on Friday, December 19. Construction began in February and continued through much of the year. During that time, crews worked around steady traffic on both roads. Drivers encountered detours and lane closures during the implementation of the improvements.

The upgrades include widening the road at the intersection and extending culverts beneath the roadway. Engineers also added left- and right-turn lanes on Baldwin County 12 to help move turning traffic out of the through lanes. On Alabama 59, new right-turn lanes were built to improve traffic flow and reduce delays.

Another significant change is the new signal system at the intersection. The older wire-mounted traffic signals were removed and replaced with mast arm structures. These stronger supports are designed to withstand severe weather that often strikes coastal Alabama. Officials say the sturdier signals should improve safety and reduce storm-related outages.

The Alabama Department of Transportation administered the project from start to finish. The work was funded through an Alabama Transportation Rehabilitation and Improvement Project II grant. The state approved $2 million in ATRIP funds for the construction. That grant allowed the intersection to be upgraded without placing extra strain on local budgets.

In the end, the project's full cost came to $1.83 million. That total was less than the $2 million state grant set aside. Because of the lower price, no additional city or state funds were needed to complete the work. Officials say finishing under the grant amount is a welcome result for local taxpayers.

To complete the widening and culvert work, traffic patterns had to be adjusted. At one point, vehicles on the east side of the intersection on Baldwin County 12 were detoured. That step gave crews room to expand the roadway and extend drainage structures safely. Drivers had to take alternate routes, but the disruption was temporary.

Now that the work is complete, motorists can expect smoother traffic and fewer backups. The new turn lanes should reduce rear-end crashes as turning traffic moves out of the main lanes. The upgraded signals and stronger supports are also expected to improve safety during storms. Community leaders say the project is an essential investment in a growing area.

The improved intersection marks another step in efforts to modernize key roads in Baldwin County. As traffic increases with regional growth, such projects are likely to continue. For now, drivers passing through Alabama 59 and Baldwin County 12 can enjoy a safer, more efficient crossing.