Ames motorists can expect at least three more weeks of orange cones and decreased speed limits at the intersection of Lincoln Way and Grand Avenue.

Paul Wiegand, director of public works for the city of Ames, said the $3.2 million project that began in May was originally slated for completion at the end of October. It ran into delays because of water lines beneath the street.

“As we worked on the project, other utilities . set back paving,” he said. “Basically, the major paving is done. Only the main intersection, driveways and sidewalks are left.”

Wiegand said the onset of winter weather will not affect progress.

“Any bad weather will naturally have some impact,” he said. “But we don’t anticipate it’ll go into December at all . Hopefully, we’ll be done by Thanksgiving time.”

Monte Streit, store director of the Lincoln Center Hy-Vee, 640 Lincoln Way, said the store has lost a “substantial amount” of money during the construction.

“Any type of retail situation where you limit customer access does affect business,” he said. “We’re very fortunate a lot of customers have made it through the construction zone.”

Streit said the project “will be a great improvement to the city,” but he has been frustrated with the delay.

“It’s a super project,” he said. “Had it been shorter, it would have been better for everyone.”