Work to repair a drainage culvert underneath Washington Avenue in downtown Mobile is one step closer to beginning, after the Mobile City Council authorized funding for the project Tuesday.

The council approved the transfer of $5.8 million from the unassigned fund balance to two capital projects: $5.7 million to the culvert repair project and $130,000 to median improvements on U.S. Highway 45.

Next week, the council will consider a contract with McElhenney Construction Company for repair of the culvert, which is expected to be completed in January. The proposed contract with McElhenney is worth around $5.2 million.

James DeLapp, the city’s executive director of public works, says the city hopes to have the repairs completed in time for Mardi Gras.

In March, the city closed Washington Avenue from St. Louis Street to State Street and State Street to Adams Street, after the culvert underneath failed in multiple areas. The blocked area is currently unsafe to drive over.