A groundbreaking ceremony for the second phase of street improvements along West Grand Avenue in Grover Beach was held Tuesday morning.

The $1.2 million project includes street and sidewalk repairs, landscaped center medians, landscape irrigation and lighting, and other improvements along West Grand Avenue between Eighth and 11th streets.

City officials said the work is intended to increase safety by slowing traffic in the area and will improve access for pedestrians, bicyclists and vehicles.

Funds for the project will come from a variety of sources, including $832,000 obtained through the San Luis Obispo Council of Governments and $292,000 in gas tax funds, according to a news release.

The project is expected to take about 99 working days, or more than three months, depending on the weather. Local businesses will remain open during construction, though motorists should expect lane closures and brief traffic delays.

The groundbreaking ceremony was held on North Eighth Street between West Grand and Ramona avenues.

For additional information about the project, contact city Public Works Director/Engineer Greg Ray at 473-4520 or publicworks@grover.org.