A $1.8 million reconstruction project on Route 118 in Hughesville is set to begin next week.

Prime contractor Don E. Bower will reconstruct Route 118 from the bridge spanning Muncy Creek to the intersection with Route 405. Work includes the complete reconstruction of the roadway with new curb ramps at intersections and crossings, drainage improvements, utility work, guide rail installation and bridge work.

State Department of Transportation spokesman David Thompson said no construction will occur during the Lycoming County Fair, scheduled for July 12-22.

The project will be done in three phases. Work on the first phase will be from Penn Drive, east of Muncy Creek, to South Fifth Street in the borough. A single lane of traffic will remain open during this phase.

Phase one is expected to be completed in May, with phase two beginning immediately afterward, Thompson said.

The second and third phases will be from South Fifth Street to the Route 405 intersection. These phases require car and truck detours.

For the second phase, cars will use Fifth Street to Broadway Street. The truck detour will use routes 405, 442 and 42.

For the third phase, cars will use a detour on Broadway and Fifth streets for eastbound traffic and Broadway and Fourth streets for westbound traffic. The truck detour will be the same as the detour used during the second phase.

“The project is needed due to the age and poor condition of the sub-base, as well as needed upgrades to the storm sewer,” Thompson said. “Once completed, this project will provide a smooth driving surface for years to come.”

The detours “should have minimal impact” on traffic in Hughesville, he added.

This project is expected to be completed in late October.