UTICA - Contractors are now working on drainage and water main pipes on the south side of Oriskany Boulevard. Crews are also digging up the old road to make way for new pavement. The new road will be two lanes in each direction, but Department of Transportation Region 2 Public Information Officer Jimmy Piccola tells us you’re likely not going to notice any delays when traveling through the work zone.

"For the most part when you’re driving through we’re keeping lane closures between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., so in your morning commute, usually from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. people aren’t inconvenienced, and also when they go home at night the same thing. We have the lane closures picked up by 3:00 so that folks can get back to their homes."

One of the main reasons for the project is to eliminate the amount of accidents, many caused from people trying to make an illegal left turn.

"When the final design is in you’re going to be able to take a protected left from any direction as you get into this intersection."

A roundabout will help slow down traffic at the intersection of John Street and Route 5S, and travel into the intersection from the east will be a little smoother as well.

"We’re eliminating Jay Street between Genesee Street and 2nd Street, and I think that’s going to make it a lot less confusing for people especially who aren’t from the area."

The project still has a way to go, so if you do happen to be traveling through the area keep in mind the speed limits.

"It’s a work zone. People really need to pay attention to the signage that’s through the work zone. Slow down and we’ll get folks to where they want to go safely so we can go home to our families at night too."

The entire project isn’t expected to be completed until December of 2020, with some minor finishing touches in the spring of 2021.