Construction on the Bloomfield Avenue Streetscape next week will have a “significant effect” on traffic in Verona, police officials said Tuesday.

Verona Police Public Information Officer Capt. Mitchell Stern said the following work would take place beginning Monday:

• Construction will continue at Park Place and then work east towards Montclair, closing the right westbound lane of Bloomfield Avenue towards North Caldwell.
• Reconstruction of the road, curb and sidewalks on Linden Avenue will cause sections of the roadway to be closed beginning at Pompton Avenue and moving west toward Caldwell.

Stern said drivers should allow extra time or take a different route while construction continues for the next four to six weeks.

During construction, he said, drivers should be especially cautious and watch for pedestrians crossing the street, especially with sidewalks closed in some places.

“Be alert,” Stern said, “be on the lookout for people walking into the street out of nowhere… Just be aware of your surroundings.”

The Bloomfield Avenue Streetscape project has been going on for the past six years, according to Verona Township Manager Joe Martin.

In addition to the roadwork, the project provides decorative sidewalks, lamps and street furniture, extending from Everett Field in Verona to the North Caldwell border.

“It’s part of our initiative to enhance downtown,” Martin said, “Giving downtown a recognizable brand. Use design as a way to increase business in the area.”