April marks the next phase of construction in downtown DeKalb.

The affected areas are Second and Third streets from the railroad tracks to Locust Street. Locust Street will also be closed between Third and Fourth streets for water main repair.

DeKalb City Engineer Joel Mauer said part of Second and Third streets will be temporarily closed during the construction.

“The streets will be shut down with driving lanes not being available for some time,” Mauer said. “They won’t be down completely as pedestrians will still be able to go through the area.”

Lauren Woods, owner of Cracker Jax, 118 N. Third St., said the construction is something that is crucial.

“It has to be done with the water main being on the verge of deteriorating,” she said.

Woods said she plans on making a few changes in running her business during the construction.

“We are going to be using our back entrance as the main entrance during the construction to accommodate the customers,” she said.

Alex Nerad, operations director of the Egyptian Theatre, 135 N. Second St., said he is happy with the construction.

“It’s exciting to see progress being made in the city of DeKalb,” Nerad said.

Mauer said foliage is being put in to enhance the look in the area.

“We are going to be putting in trees and plants to give beauty to the streetscape,” Mauer said.

Woods said she likes the idea of improving the streetscape.

“It’s going to add more beauty to the downtown area,” she said.

Mauer said the purpose of adding to the appearance of the downtown area is to attract more people and new businesses to it.

“We’re trying to make it more inviting for patrons for a place to be and to get more shops and growth in the city,” he said.

The project begins in April to finish in October.