Residents looking to avoid downtown construction may have to avoid the highway pretty soon.

Motorists traveling on Interstate 90 between Exit 177/Highway 218 N. and Exit 180B/Highway 218 south in Austin will encounter lane closures beginning Wednesday, Sept. 14, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

The closures are necessary while crews conduct storm sewer inspections and cleaning. Hydro Klean is the prime contractor for the project, which is expected to be completed in late October, weather permitting.

MnDOT urges motorists to always drive with caution, slow down in work zones and never enter a road blocked with barriers or cones.