Austin Transportation Department staff began construction work today on a portion of Colorado Street stretching between Cesar Chavez and Ninth streets downtown.

The city expects the project, which also includes utility adjustments, to be completed by the end of the week. Once the work is finished, the section of Colorado will accommodate two-way traffic. Currently, the road is a one-way street southbound.

Staff will also add turn bays at the intersections of Fourth, Fifth, Sixth and Seventh streets. To accommodate street space for these turn bays, adjacent parking will need to be removed from one side of Colorado. While work is ongoing, parking is prohibited between Sixth and Cesar Chavez streets.

According to the city, workers will implement rolling lane closures during construction, with the goal of keeping one lane open at any given time. Workers will reopen lanes as they are completed, and building and garage access will be maintained.

Funding for the $5.7 million project was provided by the 2012 mobility bond.