In 2025, folks in Baldwin County will see even more sidewalk improvements, thanks to grant money aimed at making local areas more pedestrian-friendly. The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) has approved funding to continue expanding walkways for pedestrians in several communities. These improvements are all part of the federal Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP), which helps pay for non-motorized transportation projects like sidewalks, trails, and bike lanes.
Here’s a breakdown of the latest sidewalk improvements coming to our local communities:
- Foley: $800,000 awarded for sidewalk improvements along SR-59, stretching from Azalea Avenue to Pride Boulevard.
- Daphne: $800,000 in federal funds awarded for new sidewalks along Pollard Road and Park Drive.
- Robertsdale: $800,000 for sidewalk upgrades along Buck Road, Wilters Street, College Avenue, and US-90.
- Elberta: $669,380 awarded for sidewalk improvements throughout various sections of the city.
Moving further north, cities around Grove Hill will also benefit from the grant:
- Monroeville: $799,060 awarded for sidewalk improvements along SR-21.
- Thomasville: $800,000 for sidewalks along Old Highway 5 and Martin Luther King Jr. Street.
This program is part of a federal effort to promote safer, more accessible transportation options for everyone. The TAP program, which started in 2012, gives local governments the chance to apply for grants that help fund walking and biking paths. Thanks to the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), funding for these important projects will continue through 2026.
For those of us who enjoy walking, biking, or just having more accessible routes in our towns, these grants are a big step forward. Get ready to see these improvements as they start taking shape in the next year!
