POULSBO — Southbound motorists could get a pleasant surprise today when they reach the Iverson Street/State Route 305 intersection.

Instead of being forced to stay on the highway, they might be able to turn right onto Iverson Street or make a left onto Lincoln Road as well.

Poulsbo City Engineer Andrzej Kasiniak said crews from Stan Palmer Construction of Port Orchard could have the intersection reopened today.

If not, the intersection will reopen by the Oct. 15 fish window deadline, Kasiniak said Wednesday.

Crews were expected to finish paving the section of Iverson Street between 8th Avenue and SR 305 Thursday, Kasiniak said.

Iverson Street, between SR 305 and 8th Avenue, has been closed since Sept. 11 to allow the installation of fish friendly culverts on both sides of the intersection.

The Iverson Street closure is the last closure of the 2006 construction season, but work will be done at the Bond Road/SR 305 intersection some time in 2007.