OTHELLO - Construction to reduce collisions at the intersection of state Route 26 and First Street in Othello began yesterday.

The improvements should reduce the number and severity of collisions at the junction of state Route 26 and state Route 24 spur, reducing the number of conflict points, according to information provided by Department of Transportation officials.

Stage 1 of the project, completed March 29, lowered the road on state Route 24 underneath the state Route 26 bridge to make it easier for large trucks to travel.

The second stage, scheduled for completion by mid-June, turns Columbia Street into an eastbound one-way street and Wahluke Street becomes a one-way westbound street. First Street will become three lanes between state Route 26 and Columbia Street and a new pedestrian crossing will be installed. A right turn lane will also be added west on state Route 26 to First Street as well as upgrades to sidewalks and ramps to Americans With Disabilities standards.

WSDOT officials hope the pedestrian crossing will allow drivers to better see pedestrians as well as improve traffic to businesses in the Othello area. Construction crews will be working from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Drivers can expect lane changes and flaggers directing traffic.

The project costs $1.04 million.