IRONTON — Construction to mill and resurface portions of both Second and Third streets is expected to begin in earnest within the next week.

Ironton Street Superintendent Mike Pemberton said asphalt and plate removal of a portion of North Second Street near the Storms Creek floodgate should begin within the next couple of days, weather permitting.

Pemberton said the reconstruction of that area is much overdue.

“By rebuilding that section it allows us better drainage and eliminates the constant asphalt maintenance problems and costs the city has had to incur during the past several years.”

When complete the roadway will be repaved with concrete and restored to its original plates.

Traffic will be reduced to one lane with temporary traffic signals allowing passage. Pemberton said waits should last no longer than 30 to 45 seconds. The traffic signals are set approximately 300 feet apart.

“Once started, the project is expected to last around a week,” Pemberton said.

Also, the rehabilitation of a 1.3-mile stretch of South Third Street is expected to hit high gear on Monday as construction crews start the process of milling and repaving the much used, but worn thoroughfare.

The $800,000 project — which started April 13 — will mill and resurface the street and catch basins while making repairs to nearly 70 curb ramps at intersections along the street.

The work will affect the area between Ellison Street, near the old Wilson Sporting Goods building through Lorain Street. Traffic on the street will be maintained throughout the entire project, however parking on South Third Street will be restricted during milling and repaving.

The city has sent letters to area businesses and homeowners as to the parking restrictions. Violators will have their vehicles towed from the scene.

Monies for the project come from the Ironton Iron rehabilitation project through the Clean Ohio Fund. The price tag is being paid in large part ($600,000) from the KYOVA Interstate Planning Commission. The city is picking up the rest of the tab through its state highway funds from gasoline and license plate taxes.

The South Third Street project is scheduled to be complete by mid-August.