Construction work on the Saw Mill River Parkway to prevent further flooding is ahead of schedule Thursday.

Work to raise a stretch of the parkway between exit 27 in Thornwood and exit 29 in Pleasantville began Monday. Drivers had to use alternate routes around the closed section. State transportation officials now say the quarter-mile paving project is ahead of schedule and the parkway might reopen before Friday night, depending on the weather.

Officials say the construction moved faster than expected because workers did not run into any major problems. The new stretch of road will be put to the test over the next few days as heavy rains are expected in Westchester.

Related InformationSaw Mill River Parkway in Pleasantville closed as flood repairs begin