NELSONVILLE — One phase of the new bypass around Nelsonville on U.S. 33 has been completed, and a second phase could be completed a year ahead of time.

Phase II and III of the bypass project have been funded from American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, allowing the project to be completed nearly six years ahead of Ohio Department of Transportation’s construction schedule.

It will likely be completed and open to traffic in 2013, but a spokesman for ODOT District 10 said this week it could be completed ahead of schedule.

ODOT’s David Rose said Phase II of the project, which begins on the west side of Nelsonville and travels to the existing four-lane U.S. 33 toward Logan, is a year ahead of schedule, and could be completed and opened at the same time as the first phase.

Phase III is three miles long, on the east end of the bypass, and will connect to the existing portion of U.S. 33 leading to Athens.

Rose said if the first two phases are completed early, travelers could use five miles of the new road, from Dorr Run to the existing four-lane leading to Logan, prior to the completion of the third phase.

The Ohio Department of Transportation is investing up to $150 million in funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for immediate construction of the final two phases.