The state Department of Transportation plans to begin working Monday on a project to replace existing wooden signal poles in the downtown Cleveland square.

Crews will dig and pour footing for three decorative mast arms, or ornate traffic signals, with the work taking place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day next week.

"We’ve been working with the city for over a year to improve traffic flow and allow pedestrian access to the southern end of the square," said Georgia DOT District Engineer Russell McMurry.

The city bought the mast arms.

Georgia DOT crews also have expanded the turning radius from 5 feet to 75 feet from Ga. 115 east to U.S. 129 south.

DOT crews also are building three crosswalks and installing pedestrian signals to allow protected walking access across U.S. 129 and Ga. 115.

Work on the square is scheduled for completion by Thanksgiving.

Motorists should expect lane closures on an ongoing basis and are advised to use extra caution in construction work zones.