South College Avenue, from High Street to Spring Street, will close Monday for the start of a Brick Rehabilitation Project that is part of a $400,000 grant by the Ohio Public Works Commission.

The street will be closed to through traffic and a detour will be posted.

The initial work will include underground work on replacement of the sanitary sewer and addition of a limited storm sewer.

This project will include hazardous tree removal, replacement of curb, gutters and sidewalks, addition of handicap ramps, removal of the current brick, installation of a concrete base and replacement of the brick.

City Service Director Mike Dreisbach told city council at its Feb. 5 meeting that the South College Avenue project is one of two major road projects this year. The other involves improvements to Chestnut Street from Main to the intersection with Brookville Road, with work including replacement of street markings and curb, gutter and sidewalk improvements.

It is not certain when South College will reopen because officials are not sure of the condition of the underground utility lines or the surface beneath the bricks.

Work on Chestnut Street will be done this summer after students leave town, but South College Avenue work may continue through. Construction is scheduled for completion by July 15.