Foley, Ala. – The City of Foley has broken ground on a major public‑works project that will add nearly 9,000 feet of concrete sidewalks and upgrade drainage throughout the Mills community. The effort, detailed in a city press release, is part of a broader plan to improve pedestrian access and protect the area’s mature trees while preparing for the new Mills Park.
Project scope and route
Construction crews are building a continuous sidewalk that begins at the under‑construction Mills Park on Mills Road and extends eastward along several key corridors: Mills Road, Little Rock Road, Airport Road, Dailey Lane and Baldwin County Highway 65. The total length of the sidewalk will be about 8,700 feet, creating a safe, paved link between the park and existing neighborhoods.
Drainage improvements
In tandem with the sidewalk work, the city is installing new drainage infrastructure along the same routes. The upgrades are designed to better manage storm‑water runoff, reduce flooding risk, and protect the mature trees that line the streets. City engineers emphasized that preserving these trees was a central consideration throughout the planning and design phases.
Community partnership
The project reflects years of collaboration between Foley officials and the Mills Community Action Group. The group helped secure the necessary rights‑of‑way for the sidewalks and drainage work, ensuring that the improvements meet the needs of local residents.
Annexation background
Foley’s annexation of the Mills area was completed in 2023 after a vote by residents outside the city limits. Since that time, city leaders have been working to bring essential services and amenities to the newly incorporated neighborhoods, including the upcoming park and now this sidewalk‑drainage project.
Timeline and future work
The city projects that the Mills sidewalk and drainage improvements will be finished in the summer of 2027. This initiative is one of several sidewalk construction projects currently underway in Foley. Another major effort is the completion of a pedestrian walkway along Alabama 59 between Pride Drive and Azalea Avenue, which will provide a continuous footpath from Miflin Road and Baldwin County Highway 20 north to Peachtree Avenue—approximately four miles of new pedestrian access.
Impact on residents
City officials say the new sidewalks will encourage walking, improve safety for children and seniors, and support a healthier, more connected community. The upgraded drainage system is expected to lessen road flooding after heavy rains, protecting homes and businesses along the corridor.
City leadership’s perspective
Mayor [Name] praised the project as a tangible example of Foley’s commitment to infrastructure that serves families and upholds the city’s tradition of responsible growth. “Investing in safe walkways and reliable drainage is an investment in our families’ daily lives,” the mayor said. “We are proud to see this project move forward and look forward to a more walkable, resilient Foley.”
Residents can expect construction activity along the listed roads over the next year and a half, with the city promising to keep traffic disruptions to a minimum and to provide regular updates through its website and social‑media channels.
Original reporting: FOX10 WALA Mobile (news) — read the source article.
