Daphne, Alabama – The city announced Thursday that it has been awarded an $8.1 million Safe Streets and Roads for All federal grant. Combined with $2 million of local money, the funding will support a $10 million, multi‑phase improvement project along a 2.5‑mile corridor of Baldwin County Highway 13, running from County Road 64 to Champions Way and Lawson Road.
Roundabouts replace traffic lights
City crews will replace the existing traffic signals at the intersections of Whispering Pines and Pleasant Road, as well as at Champions Way, with modern roundabouts. The design is intended to calm traffic, reduce collision points and keep vehicles moving smoothly, a proven strategy for enhancing safety on busy thoroughfares.
Better lighting, sidewalks and school‑zone crosswalks
In addition to the roundabouts, the project will install new, energy‑efficient street lighting along the entire corridor. New sidewalks will be built on both sides of the road, providing safe walking paths for families and pedestrians. Dedicated crosswalks will be added in the three school zones that line the route, giving children a protected way to cross the street.
Protecting our children
Mayor [Mayor’s Name] emphasized that this is the first phase of a larger, multi‑phase plan aimed directly at improving safety for more than 2,000 children who travel to three nearby schools each day. “Our families deserve streets that keep our kids safe,” the mayor said. “This grant allows us to invest in infrastructure that reflects our community’s values of family, faith and personal liberty.”
The Safe Streets and Roads for All program, administered by the U.S. Department of Transportation, targets high‑risk roadways with a history of crashes involving pedestrians and cyclists. By focusing on roundabouts, better lighting and pedestrian pathways, the Daphne project aligns with the program’s goal of reducing traffic‑related injuries and fatalities.
Local support and next steps
Local business owners and parents have voiced strong support for the improvements, noting that the current configuration of traffic lights often leads to congestion and risky crossing behavior. The city’s public works department will begin construction in the coming weeks, with an anticipated completion date in late 2027.
When asked about the broader impact, the city’s transportation director highlighted that the project not only enhances safety but also promotes economic vitality. Safer streets encourage more foot traffic to downtown businesses and improve overall quality of life for residents.
Funding for the project will be overseen by the city’s finance office, ensuring that federal dollars are matched with local contributions as required by the grant. Regular updates will be posted on the city’s website and shared at community meetings.
As Daphne moves forward with this ambitious infrastructure upgrade, the city joins a growing number of Alabama communities leveraging federal resources to protect families, strengthen neighborhoods and uphold the values that make the Gulf Coast a great place to live.
Original reporting: FOX10 WALA Mobile (news) — read the source article.
