The installation of new traffic signal poles will close some downtown Beaufort side streets over the next two weeks, according to a news release.

The poles are being installed along Charles Street at the Boundary and Craven street intersections starting Tuesday by Walker Bros. of Lexington.

City officials will arrange for alternate parking with downtown merchants and Main Street Beaufort USA, if it is need, the release said.

Workers may need to ask local business owners for permission to place a "boring rig" on their property, the release said. The rig bores horizontally, under the pavement, so that electrical lines can be placed without destroying asphalt.

To speed installation, two drills will be used to dig pole foundations, the release said. A parking lot near the pavilion entrance to the Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park will be blocked as the foundations are drilled.

The city, county and state are collaborating on a $300,000-plus project to install the new mast arms for traffic lights and signs on Charles Street. The city's portion is $55,000, according to an earlier release.

Paving update:

• Ribaut Road between North and Bay streets will be limited to one lane in both directions Friday from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m.
• North Street Paving will continue Friday from Carteret to Bladen streets.
• Charles Street has been patched, paved and striped and is open to traffic.