The seven-month, $9.78 million project was done in time for Friday’s deadline, said Brenda Derrig, the street project’s engineer.

Motorists will encounter less congestion on 45th Street, with the roadway expanded to six lanes and double turning lanes added at three intersections.

“You’ll see traffic flowing much better this shopping season through that corridor,” Derrig said.

The project, between Interstate 94 and Ninth Avenue South, is the largest single-season road construction project in Fargo’s history, she said.

Some right turn lanes will be temporarily closed while sidewalks are being connected. Landscaping will be completed next year.

The project also included an enhanced storm sewer system to reduce flooding during heavy rains.

Businesses on 45th Street were patient during the project, Derrig said.

Aaron Blazer, general manager of Space Aliens, said the restaurant noticed an overall decrease in business during the construction project, particularly during at lunch.

“A lot of people wanted to avoid 45th Street as much as they could,” Blazer said.

Northern Improvement Co. met all interim project deadlines, regardless of weather setbacks, Derrig said.

Reducing lanes at the 13th Avenue South intersection had the largest impact to traffic. Crews were allowed 60 days to complete that portion and finished the phase in 54 days.

For businesses on 45th Street, it may take a few days before they notice an increase in traffic, Blazer said.

“People have to get used to driving on 45th Street again,” he said.

Readers can reach Forum reporter Amy Dalrymple at (701) 241-5590