Work on improvements on East Verbena Avenue will begin soon, but businesses along the road will remain open and parking will be available.

The project is planned to improve lighting, parking and drainage as well as work on the roadway.

The East Verbena Improvement Project includes reshaping existing parking stalls and making improvements to the concrete, landscaping and right of way near the eastern side of Alabama 59.

Decorative lighting will also be added.

The project will also improve drainage in the area.

Businesses near the avenue where work is planned include Portabello’s restaurant, the Foley Fish Market and Taco Fiesta Street Tacos. The gravel parking lot on the south side of East Verbena will still be available for use. Other parking areas near the site will also be available during construction.

The city also recently approved new sidewalks along Alabama 59 from the planned improvement site south to Commercial Bank.