EAST HARTFORD, Conn. -- Work on Governor Street began Monday in East Hartford, officials said, and will continue for about a year.

Resident Giselle Marytinez said she doesn't like driving down the road outside her East Hartford home.

"It's a headache," she said. "The cars, the bumps, the potholes -- it'll mess up your car."

Neighbor Juventino Lopez said the large trucks driving up and down the road haven't helped either.

"I don't like it," Lopez said. "The big trucks are here every day."

That's why they said they're glad the construction is starting. The $1.2 million project includes repaving the road and adding new sidewalks and curbs, as well as storm drains.

According to the Department of Transportation, the repairs have been in the works for at least a year.

And while residents nearby said it's all necessary, Bob Vrakas, who runs a pizza shop on the corner by the detour, said he's worried the traffic could turn people off.

"The customers want easy in, easy out," he said.

Vrakas said it was a big blow to his business a few years ago when the roads in front of his shop closed for construction. He said he doesn't want it to happen again.

"I hope my customers remember me," he said.

But even with all of the construction noise, big machinery and clouds of dust and dirt hanging in the air, residents said it's worth it.

Construction is expected to continue until October 2010. Crews said only people who live on the road will have access to it.