The Texas Department of Transportation will begin work soon on Key Avenue/U.S. Highway 183, TxDOT Brownwood District spokeswoman Sandra Parker announced Wednesday.

A change in statewide priorities has delayed the project for several years, Mrs. Parker said, but last month the Texas Transportation Commission awarded the $6.6 million contract to Prater Equipment Co. Inc. of Comanche County.

Project limits will be from Avenue E to Ninth Street. Work will include utility upgrades, and a total rehabilitation of the existing pavement, storm sewer, sidewalks, and curb and gutter. Although some preliminary off-site work on storm sewer and utilities will begin this fall, pavement work on Key Avenue will be delayed until the beginning of 2011 to minimize negative economic effects on Lampasas businesses and holiday travelers.

Because Key Avenue is Lampasas’ main thoroughfare, the project will significantly affect the town, Mrs. Parker said. Information and communication are essential to completing the project successfully, the spokeswoman said.

Before any work begins, Prater Equipment, the city of Lampasas and TxDOT will hold an open meeting with business owners and members of the public to discuss the project work schedule. A date, location and time for the meeting will be announced as plans are finalized.