The state agency MassWorks Infrastructure has delayed construction on the multi-million-dollar Marion Village project for Ryder Lane, South Street, and Spring Street.

The project includes repairs to roads, sewers, and drainage pipes. Those repairs would be the first phase of a proposed $18.4 million, 10-year plan that would bring more infrastructure improvements to Marion.

The engineering firm Camp, Dresser, McKee, and Smith, headquartered in Cambridge, Mass., pitched the idea for the improvements to residents and town officials.

Construction was originally due to begin this month, but ground has yet to be broken. Work cannot start until MassWorks Infrastructure gives the town permission to move forward.

The agency had awarded Marion a $1 million grant for the project, which has an estimated cost of $3.1 million.

Town Administrator Paul Dawson said town officials have had the necesssary paperwork prepared since June. To speed the process, Dawson said he notified local legislators.

“We have no idea as to why there is a delay,” he told Selectmen at their Tuesday meeting. “We’re trying to pull strings through state legislators. These agencies don’t like to hear from their funders, but its come to that.” The matter is urgent in order to keep the project’s contractor on board.

Dawson said the contractor has signed a series of extensions since construction was delayed.

On Friday, Sept. 20 the latest extension expires and the contractor may not sign another agreement, Dawson said.

“The contractor made indications he will not continue signing. This is not good news for the town. We will have to go out and re-advertise at considerable expense,” Dawson said.

There is a chance the contractor may re-sign, but Dawson said he would push legislators to move MassWorks Infrastructure to action: “We will continue to apply pressure any way we can.”