Foley City Council has approved funding for four new sidewalk projects aimed at enhancing pedestrian connectivity throughout the city.

The initiatives, approved during the council's session on Monday, April 15, will bolster access to Foley High School, Mathis Elementary School, Foley Elementary School and Alabama 59.

According to Wayne Dyess, Foley's executive director for infrastructure and development, these projects will bridge existing sidewalk gaps, creating a comprehensive network across the city.

"We have existing sidewalks that are unconnected," Dyess said, "These projects will then connect these, building a complete network, so we're getting more bang for our buck."

The proposed sidewalk extension for Foley Elementary will traverse North Cedar Street, offering improved access to the campus. Similarly, the Foley High walkway will be situated along South Pine Street near Pride Drive. For the Mathis Elementary area, a sidewalk will be constructed along South Cedar Street, linking with existing walkways on Ninth Avenue to facilitate pedestrian access to Hickory Street.

On the eastern side of Alabama 59, a new walkway will extend from East Verbena Avenue southward. This addition will connect with the existing walkway ending at Portabella's restaurant and continue further south.
Future plans include extending the sidewalk on Alabama 59 southward to Azalea Avenue.

These projects are part of a broader program approved by Foley City Council, allocating $1 million for constructing new sidewalks around the city in the current fiscal year. Additional projects are slated for the Mills community and various locations throughout Foley.