Drivers, brace yourselves for some nighttime slowdowns on Rhode Island Avenue NE. Starting the week of March 11, DC Water's contractor will be milling and paving stretches of this busy road, creating potential traffic hiccups. According to the announcement, the work zone will span from 12th Street to 5th Street.

While the crews will toil between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m. to minimize daytime traffic impacts, the project will be split into three phases, anticipated to wrap up within three days, weather willing. Two lanes will however remain open in both directions, shuffling around ongoing operations.

For locals and regular commuters, the new traffic pattern means no left turns at Reed Street NE or 10th Street NE off Rhode Island Avenue. Detours will direct vehicles via 12th Street, NE onto Franklin Avenue, NE to Reed Street, NE.

Expect to see construction equipment and crew members descending on the area amid heightened activity, not to mention the inevitable noise that comes with such work. Parking will also take a hit, with restrictions cropping up on either side of the avenue, extending just past the WMATA Rhode Island Avenue-Brentwood Metro Station bridge. People are strongly advised to heed the temporary No Parking zones if they wish to avoid the hassle of relocations or fines. The announcement made it clear that once the project is finished, normal service – including parking – will swiftly resume.

Pedestrians aren’t forgotten in the melee. Signage and flaggers will be on site to safely direct foot traffic around the construction. So whether on foot or behind the wheel, expect some disruptions, plan ahead, and maybe allow a little extra time for your nighttime travels.