The Padanaram causeway is still on track for a June 2018 opening, despite a setback that led to a construction delay.

At the December 4 Select Board meeting, Town Administrator David Cressman updated the board on the progress of the $9.2 million project to rehabilitate the causeway.

The project has faced several setbacks as construction progressed. Most recently, construction crews discovered issues with a retaining wall along the southeastern section of the causeway.

Crews had to design a new plan and caused a delay in construction, but Cressman said the new wall has now been poured and construction can continue.

It was one of several issues discovered over the course of the project. In the fall of 2016, crews discovered issues with a seawall that was to be installed along Smith Neck Road. Contractors discovered no footing existed to stabilize the stone wall replacement, which meant both had to be rebuilt.

Despite the issues and delay, Cressman said contractors have confirmed they are on track to meet the June 2018 deadline to finish up construction. Cressman said crews have expressed hope that they will finish up construction even earlier, perhaps closer to Memorial Day, but that’s not official.

The project is intended to make roadway, drainage, structural, and lighting improvements along Gulf Road from Apponagansett Park to the Padanaram Bridge, and southerly 500 feet onto Smith Neck Road.

Smith Neck Road reopened to traffic over the summer, but the causeway itself remains closed, and detours are currently in place routing traffic out of the village and to the Smith Neck area via Elm Street, Russells Mills Road, and Bakerville Road.