After 11 months and a cost of $2.4 million, the County Road 13 and Twin Beech Road roundabout is complete and open to traffic.

To celebrate its opening, Fairhope Mayor Sherry Sullivan, District 2 Baldwin County Commissioner Matthew McKenzie and Baldwin County Engineer Frank Lundy were joined by representatives from the county and contractors for a small media event.

The completion of this roundabout marks the conclusion of a 10-year County Road 13 project involving the construction of five roundabouts spanning the north/south artery.

"I think the biggest thing is that folks don't realize where the county line ends and the city line starts. Any of these projects that we do are a great team effort not only with the county but with the Eastern Shore MOP, the city and ALDOT," Sullivan said. "The funding alone, $2.4 million came from ALDOT and the Eastern Shore MPO. We (the city of Fairhope) had utility projects out here that had to be done so it was just a great cooperative effort."

The project to replace a high-traffic four-way stop began in March and faced additional challenges due to the need to relocate utilities. Citizens will notice a large power pole in the center island of the roundabout that had to be worked around. Despite the difficulty, this roundabout was completed more quickly than the County Road 13 and County Road 32 roundabout.

"It is obvious we needed this," said McKenzie, the area's county commissioner. "Being a retired state trooper, this is perfect. These roundabouts are very needed. They work. I am very pleased that the county partnered with the city of Fairhope, the Eastern Shore MPO and ALDOT. I am glad we got good partners and got this accomplished."

According to Lundy, the county engineer, roundabouts lessen the severity of traffic accidents and make County Road 13 safer for drivers.

"The big difference with accidents is the severity," Lundy said. "A typical four-way stop or a conventional intersection lends itself to these severe T-bone style accidents, side-impact accidents. A roundabout does not do that. It changes the angle of the vehicle approach."

Fairhope residents have eagerly awaited the opening, with some displaying more patience than others. Sullivan laughed, mentioning that even her niece, a student at Fairhope High School, texted her on Wednesday morning to inquire about the roundabout's status. The County Road 13 and Twin Beech Road area is a particularly busy area that experiences heavy traffic due to school commutes to Fairhope High School and Fairhope Middle School. Additionally, the southern end of Fairhope is witnessing growth with the development of new neighborhoods.

Sullivan revealed that the next significant roundabout project in Fairhope is set to commence in early 2024 at the intersection of North Section Street, Scenic 98 and State Route 104, known for Fairhope's flower clock. Sullivan assured that one lane of traffic will remain open throughout construction to minimize inconvenience for residents.