Update: Traffic delays continue, but lessen

<p>Drivers will begin to see some traffic relief around Petaluma as work on two major projects around town comes to a close this week. </p><p>Capital Improvements Manager Larry Zimmer said that the Sonoma Mountain Parkway roadwork is finished, except for some minor adjustments on two pedestrian crossings. </p><p>“We are waiting to start the work until the materials that are on order for the project come in,” said Zimmer. “The work will only take a few days and should be completed by mid-November.”</p><p>Work on the Petaluma Boulevard “Road Diet” project for this year is almost complete, with one final pedestrian ramp being constructed this week. Zimmer said that after that, there will be no more work until the spring.</p><p>Work on the East Washington Street water main continues, with lane closures planned intermittently, but no full closures expected.</p><p>Road work around the Target shopping center continues as well, with approximately three weeks of intermittent lane closures expected. </p><p>Zimmer said that the project should be finished in connection with most of the work on East Washington Street, but added that final paving cannot be completed until the water main project is completed in mid-December.</p><p>In addition to the road work in Petaluma, commuters can also expect Caltrans work this week, with various lanes of East Washington Street between McDowell Boulevard and the Highway 101 southbound offramp intersection closed from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. through Friday, Nov. 2.</p>