Construction of Fourth Street from Polk to Harrison avenues will start Monday, said Curt Buescher, director of Public Works, in a press release Wednesday.

The first phase of the project is estimated to be complete by July 15.

“Local traffic will be permitted access to their residence through the staggered barricades, and the cross streets will be open except during times when the contractor is working in the immediate area of the intersection,” Buescher said in the release.

After the first phase of construction is complete, Harrison to Madison avenues will be closed for phase two of the project.

The project should be substantially completed by Nov. 30, with a few days of work in the spring, Buescher said.

The $1.45 million bid for the project was approved at the March 18 Charleston City Council meeting.

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About 80 percent of the funds for the project will come from the Federal Highway Administration after the city partnered with the Illinois Department of Transportation in a Local Agency Agreement Federal Partnership.

The funding agreement was approved at the Jan. 2 city council meeting.

The city will pay for the rest of it through Motor Fuel Tax Funds.

The street will be widened by two and a half feet, and construction will also include sidewalk replacement and sewer work.

“We ask that the residents and traveling public be careful and patient when walking or driving in or around the construction zone, and apologize for any inconveniences caused by the project,” Buescher said.

Matt Hopf can be reached at 581-7945 or at mthopf@eiu.edu.