Alert: Construction is about to begin on GRTC’s Pulse, the $65 million Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system linking Rocketts Landing to The Shops at Willow Lawn.

With service to start in about 14 months, the initial step — relocation of utilities — begins Aug. 16 at Broad and Thompson streets and continue through October, although it could last longer depending on the weather, according to GRTC spokeswoman Carrie Rose Pace.

That work is to be followed by the next phase — construction of the BRT stations that will dot the more than 7-mile route. A timetable for that work has not been set.

Operation of the Pulse is expected to start in October 2017.

The work of relocating the utilities is to proceed eastward from Thompson Street near Interstate 195 to Sheppard Street near the Boulevard, Ms. Pace stated, and will be done only on the south side of the street.

Ms. Pace stated that temporary work zones will be set up that will involve closing portions of the curb lane on Broad Street and the adjacent sidewalk from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

The work will reduce eastbound travel lanes on Broad Street from three to two lanes in the specific work area.

Despite the work, Ms. Pace stated that businesses in the area are expected to stay open.

She stated the goal is to minimize disruption to companies, shoppers and residents.

As a result, she stated construction activity that would impact parking, loading zones, utilities and other functions will need prior approval from the Virginia Department of Transportation, which is overseeing the project.

To help the public, a new construction hotline is open at (804) 980-0084. The hotline will provide updates on construction and expected impacts, Ms. Pace said.

She added that updates on the construction will be available online at the Pulse construction page www.ridegrtc.com/brt/construction-info.