NORWICH – More than two months after starting a water main overhaul in downtown Norwich, engineers say road crews will finally begin repaving portions of South Broad Street by the end of the week.

Norwich officials received an update on the water main replacement project at a meeting of the city’s joint committees Tuesday. It was the first time city council members have been briefed since their decision to extend the project completion date to the end of September.

According to Derrick Wilcox, the Delaware Engineering planner behind the water main project, lines have been replaced as far south as Beebe Ave. and crews are now testing for site connections to hookup service lines to residences. Fire hydrants have also been switched over to the new water mains from Main Street south to Hickok Ave., and the city water department is working with existing valves to make sure things are ready to switch over on the opposite side of the street.

Road crews should start paving the southernmost parts of Broad Street near Beebe Ave. by Thursday, said Wilcox. It’s light at the end of the tunnel for motorists who have experienced backed up traffic and detours for months.