The city’s $2.9 million paving project began Friday, snarling traffic as Brookhaven prepared for the biggest downtown event of the year — the Ole Brook Festival.

Crews were working on the roadway near the Brookway Boulevard and W. Monticello Street intersection. Portions of W. Monticello were closed to traffic, and vehicles were diverted onto N. Church Street.

Crews graded portions of the street and placed temporary reflectors Friday. Work wrapped up by about 5 p.m.

City officials said the work began this weekend so the paving contractor could finish on schedule. The company hopes to finish work in the downtown area before holiday shopping begins in November. Good weather also spurred the contractor to begin work.

The 41st annual Ole Brook Festival began Friday night with live music. Most of the festival’s activities get started Saturday.