Work on a new road intended to cut down tractor-trailer traffic on Sharpsville Avenue in Sharon is set to begin Monday, according to Mayor David O. Ryan.

The North Dock Street access road will connect Dock Street and Dayton Way between Pitt and East Silver streets.

Construction will create some detours for drivers on downtown side streets.

During the first phase of construction, which should last about three weeks, Dayton will be closed from Silver to American Way, Ryan said.

Silver, which is a one-way street, will be opened to two-way traffic from Railroad Street east, he said.

During the second phase of construction, which should last about two weeks, North Dock will be closed from East State Street to Pitt, Ryan said.

Pitt, also a one-way street, will be opened to two-way traffic from Railroad east, he said.

Portions of the streets will be barricaded during construction but people will still be able to get to area businesses, Ryan said.

The lower parking lot of the Shenango Valley Community Library on Dock will be open and accessible during the entire project, he said.

Ryan recommended people take other avenues -- such as Clark, Budd and State streets and Connelly Boulevard -- for cross-town travel.

Rosette Fisher, the city's community development director, said the project is necessary to reduce tractor-trailer traffic on Sharpsville Avenue by giving trucks a direct route into the Winner Steel plant from Dock.

The $570,000 project is being paid for by the state, Mrs. Fisher said. The work is being done by Horizon Construction Group, Inc. of Sandy Lake.

Pennsylvania Power Co., Clark, will relocate some power poles during the project.

Ryan said if the weather is favorable, work should be completed in about 30 days.

You can e-mail Herald Staff Writer Kristen Garrett at kgarrett@sharonherald.com