Construction on the 1.4-mile Monroe Landing Road Improvement project will begin on July 17.

Krieg Construction, Inc., the local company awarded the bid, will carry out work on the approximately $1.5 million project, which entails widening and overlay work, in addition to other maintenance.

“It’s mainly to renew the road and put shoulders on,” said Randy Brackett, assistant county engineer. “The work will take place from Penn Cove Road to the highway. Krieg will start at the south end and work their way north, more or less, due to utilities relocation.”

The road will be open for the duration of the project, with work being carried out tentatively from the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Delays will be inevitable, as one lane of traffic will be maintained during working hours.

“If people can plan their commute through alternate routes, we encourage them to do so,” Brackett said, adding that emergency access will continue to be available.

The assistant county engineer said public input was appreciated when the project was in the design phase. The design in the south end was modified due to the input, the county making accommodations for more residential sections. Some changes were also made in the northern area. Special care will be taken to ensure the Blue Fox Drive-In Theater has constant access, Brackett said.

Although the county had the project in the pipeline before Kenmore Air started running flights out of the airport, he said the timing is opportune, as the improvements will benefit people traveling to the facility.

He lauded the past work of Krieg, adding that the company takes pride in its work.

“It’s in their backyard,” Brackett said. “It’s a fun job.”

If Mother Nature cooperates, the project should be completed by Thanksgiving.