Pike Industries, the contractor Maine Department of Transportation has hired for Wiscasset’s downtown project, is getting a friendly welcome from supporters.

On Monday evening, four local women delivered dinner to the construction crew on Railroad Avenue. The gravel road that runs parallel to the railroad tracks is the first phase of the 18-month project.

In an email to the Wiscasset Newspaper, Michelle Peele of Alna said the group has been taking food and drinks to the crew every Monday since construction started two months ago.

“We want to send them and the community a message that we are welcoming, and happy to have them here,” she wrote.

The Cubbyhole Sports Pub on West Alna Road donated fresh dough pizzas for this week’s treat. Nancy Roby provided homemade cookies while Peele, Margot Sullivan and others have donated bottled drinking water.

Peele added, the warm welcome is part of an “I like Pike” campaign in support of MDOT’s downtown project. The work includes reconstruction of Main Street, adding two traffic lights and pedestrian signals, new brick sidewalks and carriage-style street lighting.

“A few of us attended a meeting in Hallowell when their downtown project was in progress and saw where folks were doing this for their contractor,” Judy Flanagan of Wiscasset explained. “We thought we’d like to do something similar.”

Along with the Cubby Hole, Terri Wells of Federal Street said other businesses contributing have included Red’s Eats, Moulinette, the Water Lily Flower and Gifts; BIRCH and Sarah’s Café.

Pike industries was awarded the $6.8 million MDOT contract in May. Its crew is working overnight through the summer from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., Sunday through Thursday.

The Railroad Avenue improvements include construction of a paved parking lot at the north end and widening the thoroughfare to include a paved sidewalk with lighted bollards.

According to MDOT officials, construction there is scheduled to be finished by the end of August. Then work will begin on the north side of Water Street.