The Downtown Mill Avenue Refresh project will be finished months earlier than scheduled, city officials said as it announced southbound Mill Avenue from the south side of Fifth Street to the north side of University Drive will be closed from June 16 to Aug. 8 to expedite work.

City officials said the closure will allow construction crews to work more efficiently. By closing some of the street to vehicles, the construction schedule could be shortened by as much as three months, getting much of the work completed before fall tourism and events begin.

Additional crews will be added to the job and work will take place day and night, according to a city release.

“This is a win-win for both the city and our local businesses on Mill Avenue. A shorter project timeline means a shorter disruption that won’t continue into Mill Avenue’s high season,” Downtown Tempe Authority CEO Lori Foster said.

Downtown visitors will still be able to frequent Mill Avenue businesses, including by foot, transit, bike, scooter or wheelchair, but there will be some detours.

The only parking affected will be westside on-street parking on Mill Avenue south of Fifth Street to Seventh Street. All parking garages will remain open.

We’d like to invite our readers to submit their civil comments on this issue. Email AZOpinions@iniusa.org.