(KAIR)--The final details of the Rainbow Communications fiber expansion to the City of Atchison were outlined, and discussed during a February 2 pre-construction meeting, clearing the way for the actual construction work, meaning an upgrade to Atchison internet service, to begin.

According to a release from Atchison Assistant City Manager Justin Pregont, the meeting included representatives of the Everest-based Rainbow, Evergy, contractor North Central Service, and the City.

Construction for phase one was set to begin Monday as an outcome of the meeting. According to Pregont, while the work has officially begun, the arctic blast across the local region is a factor in the current progress.

Pregont, in the release, explained that phase one of the fiber expansion consists of a new route to Amberwell Health, as well as routes to Benedictine College, the Amelia Earhart Airport, and Atchison’s downtown business district.

North Central Service expects to have up to four crews working on the project in various locations throughout Atchison over the next several months. Some of the work requires burying fiber optic cable underground with directional drilling, while other portions of the work require aerial attachment to existing utility poles.

During construction there may be intermittent disruptions to the City’s solid waste and recycling collection service, specifically when the contractor is working in narrow alleys. The City asks that in the event of missed collections, residents just leave their trash and/or recycling at the collection point until the City can gain access, which will likely be the next day. Missed trash and/or recycling collections can be reported to the City Shop at 913-367-5561.

The release says that as with any construction project in the public right of way, the City asks that motorists use caution when they see stopped work vehicles or traffic control devices to ensure worker safety.

Plans for the project were announced in August of last year, with a release issued by Rainbow at that time saying phase one of the project will mean a $3 million investment in the city’s downtown area, and the beginning of permanent residency inside of Atchison.