On Monday, crews will begin a major maintenance project to improve the appearance of the College Boulevard corridor from Benson Street to Nall Avenue.

The nearly $3.6 million project includes partial storm sewer replacement, curb replacement, installation of edge and median drains (for future irrigation and landscaping) and two-inch mill and overlay. It is expected to be finished by April 30, 2010.

"This work will greatly improve the ride and appearance of College Boulevard and will prepare the median for future irrigation and landscaping to be done by the Parks & Recreation Department," said Mike Hale, project manager.

Two lanes of traffic in both directions are expected to remain open for most of the project. There will be occasions when short-term lane restrictions will be required.

The project, which will complement work being done on College west of U.S. 69, is funded by $2.8 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding in addition to other city funds.