Road work begins this week

Workers will break ground this week for a seven-month construction project to install new water lines along Irvine Avenue and Dover Drive. Newport Beach officials are advising drivers to use other routes whenever possible during the work.

The project will include installing 8-inch pipe in the south side of Irvine Avenue between Santiago and Highland Drives and a 24-inch water main at Westcliff Drive. Irvine Avenue will be reduced to one lane on the northbound side during the work, and Dover Drive northbound will be completely closed for several weeks, said city project manager Mike Sinacori.

The work may cause some delays for drivers, so they should avoid the work area in general if they can take other routes, Sinacori said.

Work will take place from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, with some work on Saturdays but no night work planned. Sinacori said the water line construction will improve residential water service and fire protection in the Dover/Westcliff area.

For information on the project, call (949) 644-3320.