LOCKPORT – Lockport city officials are renting a large billboard to market the downtown for the next two years while construction occurs.

City officials stated in a news release they want people to know the downtown will still be open to business while work commences on the Commerce Street reconstruction this summer and the State Street construction late this year. Portions of roadways will be closed during different phases of the projects.

“We’re trying to get ahead of the construction season,” City Administrator Ben Benson said.

For the next two years, a large billboard marketing downtown businesses will be over the high-level bridge on Route 7 in Lockport at the cost of $43,500. The city rented it for May 1 through Dec. 31 at the cost of $17,500 and Jan. 1, 2018, through Dec. 30, 2018, at the cost of $26,000.

Mayor Steven Streit stated in the news release he is determined to minimize the construction’s effects on local businesses.

The first billboard advertisement will be promoting Old Canal Days. It will be one of several ads displayed over the next two years.

City officials will routinely change the advertisements to promote other events or encourage people to shop and dine in Lockport.

During the next several years, the city and the Lockport Chamber of Commerce have agreed to work with other groups and businesses downtown to maintain the foot traffic leading into shops, bars and restaurants during construction.

Lisa Kairis, the Chamber’s executive director, has said that involved parties will get the word out that despite construction, the downtown area will still be open for business.