Work has begun on the final stage of a $1.4 million project the city began nearly eight years ago.

Brewton Mayor Ted Jennings said the work along Belleville Avenue that began last week will take several months to complete and will involve several areas along the six block route.

“The work will involve just about every aspect of our services including sewer, drainage, natural gas and water,” Jennings said. “This is the last portion of the largest project ever undertaken by the city. This work is being done as part of the $1.4 million that incorporates seven projects.”

The funding for the project came through an Environmental Protection Agency Grant the city received in 2002, Jennings said.

“This project will tie all of the other projects together,” Jennings said. “The sewer work and other jobs that have been done along Evergreen Avenue and around the library will all tie together with this project.”

Danny Howard, with the city’s street department, said the work will span a period of about six months for completion and will span a large area along Belleville Avenue.

“The work that has started will affect an area along six blocks from Woodrow Street to Smith Lane along Belleville Avenue,” Howard said. “The time frame could be as much as six months or even longer. A lot of time on the job will be determined by the weather and other factors as the work moves along.”

Work is being done through Martin Construction of Atmore, Howard said.

Although the work is expected to last six months, drivers may see detours at varying times through the construction period, Howard said.

“There will be times when Belleville Avenue will be completely closed,” Howard said. “There may be times when work is being done on a side street that will allow Belleville Avenue to be open for a period of time. Drivers just need to pay close attention to detour signs and be prepared to change their routes.”

Howard said accommodations for school traffic will be made as much as possible during the construction period.

“I know the workers will do their best to accommodate school traffic but it won’t always be possible,” Howard said.

“We hope that people will be patient and understanding while this project is completed.”

The work along Belleville Avenue will have side streets of Woodrow, Underwood, West Jackson, and Halsey Streets and Smith Lane closed at various times according to the progression of the project, Howard said.