BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- Many drivers that commute along Highway 178 are still unhappy with the road construction that hasn't been completed.

If you haven't been on Mount Vernon Avenue recently, stay off it. If you have, you'll remember the bumper to bumper traffic. It isn't just another street repair, this is partial closure of a major artery in East Bakersfield. And that has drivers and residents very unhappy.

"It's just ridiculous," said one motorist.

"It's a mess and debilitating. You can't get nowhere," said another.

Mount Vernon Avenue between Highway 178 and University is undergoing a facelift as part of a $1.5 million stimulus project.

Rick Millwee of the Public Works Department. said, "This roadway has been in service for many years. The life of it has gone down. A lot of cracks and potholes. So it's just time for the road to be reconstructed."

For the past month and through November, the road will be resurfaced, intersection dips widened, and handicap ramps added onto sidewalk corners. The road is closed down to one lane in each direction, making this one mile stretch of road seem a lot longer for drivers.

"It's outrageous. I've been sitting at the light for 15 minutes when it should only take five minutes, " said one motorist.

Not only are lanes closed off, so are entrances to side streets. Drivers and nearby residents are frustrated.

"Oh yea, it's constantly noisy and inconvenient. You can't even turn off onto my street or park in front of my house," said resident James Calderon. Calderon said it has become dangerous.

"Some of the drivers don't pay attention especially at night, and a couple of times drivers will drive off the road onto the new concrete," said Calderon. But construction crews urge patience.

"We appreciate the patience of the traveling public at this time. It is inconvenient and there will be delays, but I'm sure everyone will be happy with the finished product," said Millwee.