Drivers are advised that temporary, short delays will occur as crews work on a project to improve the northbound flow of traffic on Blosser Road at West Main Street (State Highway 166) with an added right-turn lane. Construction starts this week and will continue into early April.

The project is designed to relieve congestion, minimize delays and improve traffic flow for northbound vehicles traveling on Blosser Road approaching West Main Street. Currently, during peak hour travel times, the northbound traffic backs up significantly to the south of the intersection.

A right-turn lane will be added to relieve some of the congestion experienced by motorists that queue at the intersection.

In addition, new signal poles, pedestrian push buttons, sidewalk and ramps, and drainage inlets will be added and/or upgraded to meet current city and Caltrans standards at the southeast corner of the intersection.

Santa Maria is contracting with RDZ Contractors to construct the $500,000 project, which is funded by sales and gas taxes (Measure A and Local Surface Transportation Program (LSTP) funds). Cannon Associates will be supplementing city staff with construction oversight at this major city and Caltrans dual jurisdiction intersection.

City staff recommends drivers obey all temporary construction signs and lane closures and reduce driving speeds in construction areas where workers may be present. Motorists may experience delays during construction. It is recommended to use alternate routes whenever possible to avoid delays and minimize inconveniences.

Direct questions to the Department of Public Works, engineering division, 805-925-0951 ext. 2225.

— Mark van de Kamp for city of Santa Maria.