An extension of O'Hara Avenue that will create a direct connection between Brentwood and Oakley will make travel between the two cities much faster and reduce traffic jams during peak hours.

Construction on the two-lane, 1,500-foot section should be completed and open for traffic by early November, according to Brentwood Senior Associate Engineer Brian Bornstein. Work began July 1. When the road opens it will run from Central Boulevard in Brentwood to Main Street in Oakley.

"A lot of people will be using it to travel back and forth between Brentwood and Oakley," Bornstein said. "I know they're wondering when it's going to open."

Not only will the new connection shorten travel time between the two cities, Bornstein said it should also provide relief to parents whose children attend Marsh Creek Elementary School on Grant Street. Those residents currently drive a circuitous route to and from the school that adds time and distance - and gasoline expenses - to the trip.

"The project includes sidewalks and bike lanes," Bornstein said. "We hope to have it completed before the winter rains hit. If that happens, it will definitely slow the progress."

Bornstein said Meritage Homes, which is building a residential development near O'Hara Avenue's current intersection at Grant Street, is paying for the $2 million project. He said the City of Brentwood is overseeing the work.

"Before Meritage can open its third phase and have new homeowners move in, the road must be open to the public," Bornstein explained.