It’s going to get a little harder to get through town.

But the highway hopefully will be a safer place for local pedestrians because of it.

The California Department of Transportation has put up the traffic control signs for a construction zone through a heavily-traveled portion of roadway in the city, along F Street (Highway 108) from West Avenue to Oak Avenue.

Goal of the project, which is scheduled to begin this week, is to upgrade pedestrian crossings at two intersections on State Route 108. It will improve safety and mobility for residents, and bolster California’s Active Transportation Plan (ATP).

The ATP is designed to increase the number of walking and cycling trips, improve safety and mobility for pedestrians and non-motorized users, enhance public health and reduce greenhouse gases.

Caltrans will install in-road warning lights and an overhead beacon along the highway at West F Street and Bryan Avenue as well as at West F Street and Mann Avenue. Both intersections have heavy foot traffic from nearby Oakdale High School and Magnolia Elementary School. The in-road lights and overhead signal flash when activated by a pedestrian, providing a warning to motorists that the pedestrian is preparing to enter the roadway and cross the street.

The project is scheduled to be completed by November. Work will be done during the day with one-way traffic control, and drivers should plan for 10-minute delays. Motorists are also advised to seek alternate routes whenever possible.

While the work is in progress, drivers are reminded to Slow for the Cone Zone and keep an eye out for Caltrans workers and pedestrians in the area.