SANDPOINT — City officials announced the completion of the first phase of the sewer replacement, which has detoured traffic around downtown since mid-September.

"We are pleased to announce that this project was completed ahead of schedule and we would like thank our downtown businesses and visitors for their patience during the past month," said Mayor Shelby Rognstad in a statement.

The first phase of the project covered the sewer main along First Avenue from Lake Street to north of Church Street. The second phase of the project will continue along First from Church to Cedar Street and is anticipated to begin in the fall of 2018.

The sewer project was originally designed in conjunction with the city's downtown revitalization project, but the majority of that work was nixed until next year after the only project bid came in higher than expected. After a decision was made to separate the sewer replacement from the Cedar Street improvements, City Council approved a bid by Earthworks Northwest, Inc., for $515,804.

The downtown revitalization project on Cedar Street, between Second and Fifth avenues, is scheduled to begin in the spring. When the decision occurred in May to hold off on the project, City Administrator Jennifer Stapleton said the project will go out to bid again early next year, likely in February. She said Century West will have approximately the same work schedule to avoid construction during any major events or holidays.

Cedar Street reconstruction will include wider sidewalks to support pedestrian traffic, new street furniture, storm gardens and more. With the storm gardens, seat walls will be added near bulbouts on each corner.

Most of the funding for the final design and construction costs of the revitalization project is supported through the Sandpoint Urban Renewal Agency.

Mary Malone can be reached by email at mmalone@bonnercountydailybee.com and follow her on Twitter @MaryDailyBee.