Willow Street traffic shift continues during Manchester drainage-tunnel work

Manchester has shifted northbound traffic onto the southbound side of Willow Street between Cilley Road and Union Street during construction connected to the Cemetery Brook Drain Tunnel Project.

The traffic change began July 20 and is expected to remain in place through an anticipated reopening date of Aug. 14, according to the city. Willow Street is not entirely closed: the city says traffic is being maintained in both directions through the work area.

The construction affects a section of Willow Street that is used by drivers, truck operators, pedestrians and customers traveling to nearby businesses. The city has also prohibited parking within the construction area while the work is underway.

Traffic and truck routing

Under the temporary configuration, northbound vehicles use the southbound side of the roadway. Drivers should expect the altered lane pattern on Willow Street from Cilley Road to Union Street for the duration of the listed work period.

Truck traffic is being directed around the area on a signposted detour using Cilley Road and Maple Avenue. The city’s notice identifies that route specifically for trucks, while regular vehicle traffic continues through the Willow Street work zone in both directions.

The city did not identify the project contractor in its notice, and it did not provide a current construction-completion percentage.

Pedestrians, parking and businesses

Pedestrian access is being maintained in coordination with the contractor, the city said. People walking through the area may encounter construction activity and the temporary traffic arrangement, but the notice says pedestrian access is to remain available.

Parking is not allowed within the construction area. Local businesses remain open, and the city said driveway access is being coordinated during the work. Customers and deliveries may need to account for the lane shift, the truck detour and the parking restriction when traveling through the affected block.

Anticipated reopening

The city lists Aug. 14 as the anticipated reopening date for the Willow Street closure area. That date is not a confirmed project-completion date and could change.

For now, the next known milestone is the anticipated reopening of the affected Willow Street segment after the construction period. Until then, the city’s notice directs drivers to follow the temporary traffic pattern and the posted truck-detour signs.