PORTLAND — Motorist and residents along Forest Avenue this week can expect delays as several paving and utility projects get underway.

City Spokeswoman Nicole Clegg said city workers will be paving two sections of Forest Avenue through Friday, July 31.

Paving between Bedford and Clinton Streets will stake place from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. through Thursday. Two-way traffic will be maintained, but at times will be reduced to one lane. 

Paving between Warren Avenue and Riverside Industrial Parkway will take place between between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. from through Friday. Two-way traffic will be maintained, but delays may still occur. 

Crews from Unitil, meanwhile, are laying gas lines near Bedford Street on Forest Avenue, as well as on Deering Avenue between Congress Street and Park Avenue, and Cumberland Avenue between Franklin Arterial and Elm Street. Two-way traffic will be maintained on Deering Avenue, but traffic on Cumberland Avenue will be reduced to one lane. 

Clegg said the city is allowing crews to work during the overnight hours, from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m., in the area between Bedford and Clinton streets. Night work is intended to speed the project and reduce its impact on area businesses, commuters and the neighborhood. 

“The city recognizes that this work will be a disruption and asks local residents to be patient,” Clegg said in a press release. 

Clegg said residents should close windows facing the construction site to minimize noise in their homes. 

No on-street parking will be allowed in the construction zones, which Clegg said would be clearly marked with signs.

METRO bus service may also be affected. Check METRO’s Web site or call 774-0351 for updated information. 

The paving projects are being funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, Clegg said. 

 

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