ROYAL CITY — Updated lighting, water main replacement, gutters, and new sidewalks and curbing will be in the works as the first phase of the Camelia Street Improvement Project gets started this week.

Contractors have moved in the materials said public works director, John Lasen, and are ready to get the project rolling.

“The whole goal is to have Camelia Street significantly done in time for SummerFest,” said Lasen.

Phase one of the project will begin on Cedar Street to replace the water main, and will move west towards Royal Ave. New lighting, curbing and sidewalks will also be incorporated along both sides of the street.

The second phase of the project will then take place after SummerFest and will move east of Cedar Street towards Apple Avenue. Much of the same lighting will remain, but sidewalks will also be put in place along the north side of the street.

Traffic revisions will be in place as drivers will need to be rerouted while construction is ongoing.

“We ask the public to take their time and expect detours,” said Lasen.

Lasen explained that police will be assisting in directing detours and ask that drivers take it slow through the construction zones for both their own safety and that of the people working.

For any questions or concerns, call City Hall at 509-346-2263. Project updates and details will also be available on the City of Royal City Facebook page.