AUBURN – Drivers who use Washington Street to get in and out of the city should expect delays due to ongoing construction projects.

Starting today, the Department of Transportation will be working on drainage and safety improvements, milling out existing pavement in some locations and laying down new pavement the entire length of the project. The street also is U.S. Route 202 and state Route 100.

“We’re going to begin work on a project to improve both sides” of the street for about two and a quarter miles between Oakdale Bridge and Minot Avenue, DOT construction manager Tim Storer said.

The contract awarded to Blue Rock Industries of Westbrook calls for completion by late July. Highway officials are asking drivers to be mindful of the crews that will be out on the roadway most of the summer.

“Traffic speed and traffic volumes are going to be an ongoing concern,” Storer said. “We’re going to do our best to keep traffic disruptions to a minimum, but we also need drivers to help us out by slowing down as they approach the work areas, and by using extra care and caution as they drive through them.”