This map shows the new traffic pattern that will be used to access Edward Little High School in Auburn while the new school is being built. The Auburn Heights entrance/exit will be closed for the duration of the project. City of Auburn

AUBURN — With the School Committee poised to approve the construction contract for the Edward Little High School this week, motorists should expect some immediate changes.

According to the Auburn Police Department, changes are expected starting Thursday — the day after school officials are expected to award a construction contract for the $105 million project.

If that happens, the Auburn Heights entrance/exit off Western Avenue will be closed to all traffic likely through the duration of construction. Police officials said all vehicles will enter and exit the high school campus via Harris Street, Fairmount Avenue or Forest Avenue.

“We want this to go as smoothly as possible,” Police Chief Jason Moen said. “Motorists should slow down, pay close attention to posted signs, watch for pedestrians and construction vehicles, and just be patient as we all get accustomed to the changes.”

All school buses will enter and exit the campus via Harris Street.

Construction is expected to last through the summer of 2023, with the building opening to students that fall. The old building will be demolished, and athletic fields constructed from the summer of 2023 to the summer of 2024.

The low bidder for the project was Art Dudley Construction of Standish, which bid $105.4 million, roughly $625,000 over budget.

The construction budget for the project was set at $104.8 million, with about $14 million of that coming from the city; the remainder will be paid by the state. The total project budget approved by the Department of Education is $122 million.

For more information on the Edward Little High School project, go to www.NewELHS.org.