If you live on or near Weston Road you already know reconstruction has begun (water line work has just finished) and is really going to get going as of July 1 If you don’t live along that north-south route but use it, here’s your warning to avoid the area if possible.

The project involves a new water main replacement between Boulder Brook Road and the Weston town line, drainage replacement, new sidewalks and wheelchair ramps, new curbing, new roadway surface and pavement markings, and new pedestrian crossing lights and speed awareness radars.

Weston Road will be closed between Route 9 and Manor Avenue on weekdays from 7am-5pm. Traffic delays are expected. Daytime work hours are Monday-Friday from 8am to 4pm during the summer.

Wellesley Executive Director Meghan Jop during the June 24 Select Board meeting characterized the project as “challenging to say the least.”

A traffic plan has been put in place, with detours kicking in to start July. Detours will funnel vehicles on Rte. 9 West onto Overbrook Drive and Manor Avenue and direct those from 9 East on to Cleveland Road and surrounding neighborhoods, Jop said. Those living on Weston Road or side streets with only one way out will have access to Weston Road through checkpoints, she said. Businesses in the Fells area will remain open.

Signage will be updated, as will the Waze app.

The initial work will stretch into November, most likely, with final paving next April. Completion is slated for next June.

The town website features a page on the project and updates it.

The town held numerous public meetings about the project to share updates and get resident feedback. Neighbors as well as area cyclists were among the most vocal participants in these meetings.

The town has been trying to get this project done for the past few years, but has been stymied a couple of times by competing National Grid work. Annual Town Meeting approved an appropriation of $4M for the project.

Questions about the project should be directed to: dpw@wellesleyma.gov

For traffic and detour concerns, please contact: Wellesley Police Lt. Michael Lemenager at 781-235-1212 or mlemenager@wellesleyma.gov