The project is expected to continue through August.

NORWAY – When in doubt, don’t use Beal Street if you can avoid it this summer, Town Manager David Holt said Monday.

The entire length of it, from Paris to Cottage streets, is being reconstructed with new water and sewer lines, pavement and sidewalks. Work began in early April and is expected to continue to the end of August.

A busy interchange at Lynn Street was shut off to all but local traffic Monday. The work is expected to last two days.

“The situation changes daily,” Holt said. “The commuter can expect inconveniences and obstacles at any time this summer. So the best advice is to avoid Beal Street entirely if you can.”

Many commuters unprepared for the change in schedule had to turn around and come in from the other end to get to their homes. Through traffic from Cottage to Paris streets was not possible.

There are 10 residential side streets that run off Beal Street, which runs parallel to Main Street, also known as Route 118. Beal Street is typically used by locals as a way to avoid the heavier traffic on Main Street.

Replacement of the Beal Street Bridge next to Lynn Street is expected to begin June 1, Holt said. The $100,000 steel bridge replacement project is being done by the town, using the “bridge in a box” method that is cheaper than other methods, he said.

“We’ve done a number of these (on Greenleaf Avenue, Lynn Street and Horne Street) and we think we know what we’re doing,” Holt said.

The construction work is being done by K & K Excavating of Turner. David MacDonald, retired supervisor of the Norway Water District, has been hired by the town to act as the supervisor for the sewer and water line work.