Construction started Monday at the intersection of Pennsylvania Avenue and Market Street that will see a traffic circle completed towards the end of summer.

Monday marks the beginning of “major physical work,” according to a PennDOT statement.

The improvement project includes construction of a single-lane roundabout with sidewalk and crosswalks, truck aprons, and updated lighting and drainage.

“During the preparation and construction process, it is imperative that motorists and pedestrians observe signage and barricades that are in place for the public’s safety and for the protection of construction workers,” Mayor Dave Wortman said.

Times Observer photo by Josh Cotton PennDOT described Monday as the first day for “major physical work” at the intersection.

“Please be patient, be aware of changing detour signs, and allow extra time to travel through or around the construction zone.”

PennDOT detailed the detours that will be in play for this first portion – Stage 1 – of the project.

“Starting Monday, April 3, 2023, traffic on Market Street southbound wanting to access Route 62 southbound will need to follow the detour posted using Route 6, Laurel Street, Pennsylvania Avenue and Ludlow Street,” according to PennDOT. “Traffic on Pennsylvania Avenue eastbound will be detoured using Pennsylvania Avenue westbound to Ludlow Street to Route 6 to Glade Bridge to Pennsylvania Avenue eastbound.”

A couple options remain to get to the businesses south of Market Street — Liberty Street and East Street are unaffected by the detour.

Stage 1 will primarily take place within the existing intersection.

Times Observer photo by Josh Cotton PennDOT described Monday as the first day for “major physical work” at the intersection.

Westbound traffic will continue to use one lane of the existing roadway. Motorists will be able to turn north, but not south, onto Market Street. There is a stop sign at that intersection now. Eastbound traffic is stopped at Liberty Street.

Water Street between Pennsylvania Avenue and East Street is closed.

PennDOT says stage one will take about two months to complete.

“I strongly encourage everyone to take an extra minute or two to navigate the detours and continue to support the many fine businesses located within Warren’s downtown commercial district,” Wortman said. “They offer outstanding food, beverages, products, and services that you won’t find elsewhere.”

Contract cost for the project is $3.98 million and Bob Cummins Construction, a Bradford, Pa. firm, is performing the work.