LEBANON — At long last, Main Street goes under the knife next week. The 2 1/2-year reconstruction of this Lebanon artery will begin Monday, according to Kim Patton, spokeswoman for the Ohio Department of Transportation.

        The city has begun utility work along the street, and some trees have been cut down.

        But the serious construction — and traffic trouble — starts now. The 2-mile stretch of road will be widened to three lanes — the center being a turn lane — and on-street parking will disappear.

        The city has been talking about rebuilding the road for three decades, and tests last year found that the sewer lines underneath were in critical condition.

        Some Main Street residents, however, managed to delay construction last year by fighting the city in court. Their chief concern, they said, is that both the road work and additional truck traffic on the new road will put the foundations of their historic homes at risk.

        Several have sold — or at least tried to sell — their homes, but not Rod Hilterbran: “We're just going to hang out until the project's done and see what happens.”

        ODOT appeased Main Street business owners by dividing work into four sections and maintaining at least one-way traffic in all sec tions. Two lanes will remain open during the first phase — from the Ohio 48 Bypass west to Mound Street.

        “I hope people understand that doesn't mean they can necessarily fly right through there,” Project Engineer Peg Enigk said.

        Traffic won't be able to breeze through as quickly as usual, she said, and crews may close the road briefly when moving equipment.

        Through trucks will be re quired to detour around the construction beginning May 20, Ms. Patton said. The recommended route: Ohio 48 Bypass to Miller Road to North Broadway.

        Complete General Construction Co. of Columbus is handling the $11.5 million project under ODOT's supervision.

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