FOLEY — Alleviating traffic along Alabama Highway 59 was the top priority for discussion for South Baldwin civic leaders Thursday afternoon. In Foley, Mayor John Koniar pointed to several ideas to make that happen.

One idea has been funded by a grant from the Alabama Department of Transportation, submitted jointly with the Baldwin County Commission, will enable the city to make improvements on Baldwin County Road 20 East between 59 and Hickory street. This is timely since plans are under way to build a year-round farmers and seafood market on C.R. 20, as previously reported.

But that’s not the only ATRIP funding the city has received. Koniar explained that another will enable the extension of Pride Drive to Juniper, which will also be improved, to County Road 20.

“This would allow school traffic to avoid Highway 59,” he said in the teleconference.

Koniar added that plans are in the works to apply for additional ATRIP funding that would help with the possibility of extending Fern Avenue from 59 to Foley Beach Expressway.

“This would expedite emergency vehicle-traffic,” he said, explaining that such vehicles could then use Foley Beach Expressway instead of traveling through downtown Foley.

“That would be for the next rounds of ATRIPs,” Koniar said, explaining that the round is expected to be next month.

The other civic leaders, which included Baldwin County Commission Chairman Tucker Dorsey, Gulf Shores Mayor Robert Craft and Orange Beach City Administrator Ken Grimes, also stressed the importance of diverting traffic from 59 to the Expressway.

“It’s a priority for everyone,” Dorsey said.

He said the plans are set to extend the Beach Expressway all the way to Interstate 65.

“It’s shovel ready,” Dorsey said, adding that funding for the $150 million endeavor is the only obstacle.