January 26, 2026

Traffic Congestion Worsens But Another Subdivision is Coming to Hwy 181

By Rick McCann
Blue RAM Media/Gulf Coast News

January 26, 2026

FAIRHOPE, Ala. A vote to approve another new subdivision in Fairhope has been approved with only one councilman voting against it.

Councilman Joshua Gammon said they he voted it down because of its proposed location at 19763 State Highway 181which is already heavily congested.

The property, just south of Quail Creed Drive, has a house on it that is being sold to developers who want to build on it.

was the only no-vote for rezoning 10 acres at 19763 Hwy 181 (just south of Quail Creek Drive) from R-A to R-1 — mostly because of growing traffic congestion on the two-lane state highway.

Surrounding properties are already zoned R6, R3, R2, and R1 and the planning commission unanimously recommended approval.

Councilman Burrell thought that “R-1 is our current target density for growth,” not very dense at all and made the motion to approve; seconded by Booth. It passed 4-1.

Some citizens in Fairhope have been unhappy with the fast growth, especially along the Highway 181 corridor and have voiced their opinions previously.
Shellie Cooke stated that she is all for growth but the city has other issues that need to be addressed first, including the lack of water to meet the demand of new residents and businesses and the years of overflows from the water treatment plant.

At one time, discussions about widening Hwy 181 through the city of Fairhope were discussed, but there’s been no funding source found, and talks have ceased for now.

In the meantime, areas of Highway 181 continue to be hotspots for wrecks, congestion and frustrations for those who have to drive it daily to and from work or school.