WINTERPORT – People driving through downtown should expect more delays this spring and summer while Route 1A’s reconstruction is under way.

Work in Winterport began last summer on what is a gradual, major overhaul of the commuter route between Route 1 in Waldo County and Bangor.

After a winter hiatus, construction resumed this spring.

“We’re putting in new water and sewer and the road’s being upgraded at the same time,” Town Manager Leo LaChance said Monday. “There will be some waiting while the work goes on, but hopefully we’ll see it all done by August.”

The state Department of Transportation is upgrading the roadbed and replacing its pavement. In addition, the Winterport sewer and water districts are replacing lines beneath Route 1A, which is the town’s main street.

The first phase of the project was completed last fall, and the final portion should be wrapped up by late summer.

LaChance said most of the delays would occur during rush hours when commuters will be required to stop for a few minutes for vehicles that must navigate around heavy equipment and work areas.

The section of highway between Whig and Lebanon streets was completed last year. The segments north of Lebanon Street to School Street, and south of Whig Street to Mountain View Street are the areas getting worked on this year.

LaChance said DOT had planned to upgrade Route 1A through the village two years ago but delayed construction until the town obtained financing for its sewer and waterline improvements. The town wanted to coordinate all three projects to avoid digging up a newly upgraded highway to put in utility lines.

LaChance said the utility projects were funded through a $300,000 Community Development Block Grant and borrowing by the sewer and water districts. He said the sewer and water lines were in poor condition and needed major upgrades.

Besides the new road surface, the project also calls for new sidewalks and approximately 60 new street trees.

“It should be nice and pretty,” LaChance said.