Construction project begins on busy Santa Maria roadway

SANTA MARIA, Calif. -- A month-long construction began Friday that sometimes may impact commute times on a busy Santa Maria roadway located in the southern part of the city.

Workers in excavators and dump trucks could be seen all day at the project site, located on Santa Maria Way, between Sunrise Drive and Dauphin Street.

The area is just north of the now-closed Hi-Way Drive Theater, and adjacent to Valley Christian Academy.

Over the next few weeks, work planned at the site includes trenching, underground sewer line installation, trench backfill, roadway repaving and traffic striping.

A city release said temporary traffic control will take place to direct motorists around the active work site, which is being performed to support construction of the new residential Skyview Estates subdivision.

The Santa Maria Public Works Department is advising motorists to be aware of the construction project, and to drive safely through the work zone.

"Please watch out for the construction signs," said Mark van de Kamp, Santa Maria Public Information Manager. "Slow down. Give extra room to the workers. This project should be going on for about a month. One of the lanes will be open going through the area, but please exercise extra care."

During active construction periods, the public may experience delays while driving through the area. To avoid any potential delays, the city is recommending drivers use alternate routes.

Work is expected to be completed by mid-January.