Augusta officials are urging drivers to avoid the southern end of Water Street later this week.

City public works crews on Wednesday and Thursday will be paving Water Street between Walgreens and the Maine State Housing Authority, Augusta Police Lt. Kevin Lully said in a release.

Paving will take place weather permitting, Lully wrote in the release. The forecast is calling for sunny skies both days.

“The Augusta Public Works is asking people to seek alternative routes and expect delays in these described areas until the project is complete,” Lully said.

Traffic will be detoured around the area throughout the paving project. Drivers trying to get downtown from the Memorial Circle side of the closure will be forced onto State Street and then onto Winthrop Street to reconnect with Water Street. Drivers heading south from the downtown toward the circle will be allowed to continue on Water Street, Lully said.

Public works also will close the Water Street entrance to the Maine State Housing parking lot. Drivers can still reach the lot by entering the Peachey Lot, traveling under the overpass and then driving into the south end of the authority’s parking lot.

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“This will be done with the use of cones and signs and uniformed police officers,” Lully said.

Parking will be prohibited on Rines Hill and on Water Street from the housing authority lot to the first crosswalk, Lully said.

He said anyone with questions or concerns should contact Augusta Public Works Street Superintendent Jerry Dostie at 626-2435.

“We understand that this will create some confusion and inconveniences,” Lully said. “We extend our apologies in advance.”


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