Motorists who drive on First Street (Route 31) near South Street should use caution as construction crews will be installing precast panels for the third tier expansion of the commuter parking deck.

A crane will be brought in starting Dec. 10 to start installing the new third level exterior precast panels that will cause periodic lane closures on southbound First Street.

Flaggers will be present weekdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 10 to Dec. 16 on Route 31 (First Street) to keep northbound traffic moving in concert with the traffic signals at Third Street. Southbound traffic on Route 31 will be stopped periodically as trucks are unloading precast panels. Please use caution when driving through the area.

Eastbound South Street between Second Street and Route 31 will be closed to thru traffic during this same timeframe.

Walsh Construction intends to commence with precast panel installation at the northeast corner of the garage, work its way around to the south side and back to the starting point. The work is anticipated to take about three weeks, but the timeline is weather dependent.

Walsh continues to work on conduits for security cameras and lighting. Painting also is taking place as temperatures allow.

Overall, the project still is on schedule for substantial completion at the end of January, which is when the City anticipates commuters might be allowed back into the parking deck. Ancillary work will continue into the spring.