Gulf Shores Begins Ambitious Highway 59 Widening Project
Highway 59 Expansion Begins: Gulf Shores Embarks on Major Infrastructure Upgrade
Gulf Shores, Ala. – (OBA) – In a significant move towards enhancing the city's infrastructure, work on Phase One of the Highway 59 Widening Project commenced on Monday, July 31, at 6 p.m. This ambitious project, which was initially delayed due to inclement weather and supply issues, aims to add a third southbound lane to Hwy. 59 from Cypress Bend Drive to Fort Morgan Road. The construction, which began south of the W.C. Holmes Bridge, is part of a broader plan to improve traffic flow and safety. As we embark on this journey of infrastructural development, we urge residents and travelers to exercise caution and patience during the construction period.
Crews began working on Phase One of the Highway 59 Widening Project Monday night, July 31, at 6 p.m.
City of Gulf Shores Press Release:
Phase One of this project includes adding a third southbound lane to Hwy. 59 from Cypress Bend Drive (the red light at Target) to Fort Morgan Road (Hwy. 180). When complete, this project will add a third southbound lane from Coastal Gateway Boulevard (County Road 8) to Fort Morgan Road.
Construction on Phase One of this project began south of the W.C. Holmes Bridge and continued to Fort Morgan Road. Construction was initially scheduled to start last week but was postponed due to inclement weather and supply delays.
Here is a breakdown of what you can expect while traveling on Hwy. 59 during construction.
Temporary Southbound Lane Closure after 6 PM on July 31 & August 1
Starting tonight, contractors will install traffic control striping and safety barrels south of the W.C. Holmes Bridge to Fort Morgan Road. The contractor anticipates installing the traffic control and striping to be ongoing tonight and Tuesday night. During these two nights, one southbound traffic lane will temporarily be closed.
HWY 59 Traffic Flow Modifications
To keep two southbound traffic lanes open throughout construction, the contractor will shift southbound traffic into the center turn lane to create a work safety zone along the roadway shoulders on the west side of Hwy. 59. Safety barrels will block traveling east and west across Hwy. 59 except at East 20th Ave, Clubhouse Drive, and Fort Morgan Road intersections. Please see provided maps.
School Traffic & Morning Rush
Starting Monday, August 7, safety barrels will be removed Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. on Hwy. 59 at East 15th and East 16th Street to allow access to school traffic to minimize traffic impacts.
Sidewalk Access
During construction, portions of the sidewalk on the west side of Hwy 59 will be closed to pedestrian access to provide a work safety zone. Starting tonight, sidewalk usage will not be available between East 20th Ave and Clubhouse Drive. Sidewalk access on the east side of Hwy. 59 will remain open throughout construction.
Timeline
Construction south of the bridge on Phase One is estimated to take approximately 12 months. The entire project is estimated to take two years.
Please use caution when workers are present. We appreciate your patience as we continue improving our City’s infrastructure.
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