Goodbye, dog leg. Hello, through street.

Drivers heading north on Arthur Avenue won't need to first loop around Maurice Avenue to cross the Madison Street Bridge once a project that started Monday is complete. They will have a straight shot over the bridge.

"If you're truly going through - into downtown or the interstate - you can just continue north now," said Gregg Wood, Public Works Department project manager.

Construction is expected to continue through the summer and be complete by the time the University of Montana is back in session in the fall. The project involves Arthur Avenue, Fifth and Sixth streets, Maurice Avenue, and portions of the Madison bridge. The west side of the bridge will move traffic in both directions.

During the work, intersections will remain open to one through lane in both directions, at most times with no detours, according to the city. Minor detours will take place during storm drain work, and both lanes will be open nights and weekends.

To hear more about the effects of construction, head to a meeting 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 17, in Room 332 of the University Center. Representatives from UM, the city and project engineers and contractors will be on hand to answer questions.