A key route through Salt Lake City is under construction — and it’s already causing traffic headaches.

Crews began repaving 700 East between 400 South and 1700 South on July 13, according to the Utah Department of Transportation. The work is meant to lengthen the life of the roadway, and is expected to wrap up in October, department spokesperson John Gleason said.

One northbound lane and one southbound lane on 700 East have been closed between 400 South and 1700 South to keep construction crews safe, Gleason said. UDOT initially shifted traffic lanes to keep all lanes on 700 East open during the project, but officials determined it was safer to close one lane in each direction, he said.

Parking in the area will be prohibited once paving begins, but UDOT is still working to confirm the paving schedule, according to the transportation agency.

During the evenings, northbound traffic will be reduced to one lane while southbound traffic will be reduced to two lanes as crews replace the center medians on the roadway. Bikers have been detoured to 500 East, but drivers hoping to get around the roadwork should use State Street or 900 East, Gleason said.

“We’re going to see some major delays through there,” Gleason said, “especially in the evening commute.”