Construction to widen Highway 59 in Gulf Shores is set to begin this Sunday, July 23, at 6 p.m.

This will mark phase one of a multi-phase project to widen the highway, adding a third southbound lane from Cypress Bend Drive (the red light at Target) to Fort Morgan Road (Hwy. 180). Once complete, the next phase will be adding a third southbound lane from Coastal Gateway Boulevard to Fort Morgan Road.

"Starting Sunday night, contractors will begin installing traffic control striping and safety barrels," the city said in a press release. "In order to keep two southbound lanes open throughout construction, the contractor will utilize a portion of the center turn lane to shift traffic and create a work safety zone along the roadway shoulders."

According to the statement, this shift in traffic will occur from the W.C. Holmes Bridge south to Fort Morgan Road.

The release stated the contractor expects the traffic control and striping to occur on Sunday and Monday night, July 23 and 24. During these two nights, one southbound lane will temporarily be closed.