The long-planned reconstruction of a half-mile stretch of Beach Road in Vineyard Haven is scheduled to begin Sept. 8, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation has announced.

New data from traffic counters across the Island shows a notable decline in vehicle activity on the Vineyard this summer — except at the beach.

The all-Island school committee voted Thursday to approve a newly revised reopening plan for elementary schools that will put younger students back in the classroom earlier than expected.

Voters across the Island will head to the polls with hand sanitizer and face masks Tuesday for the Massachusetts state primary. Closely contested races for the state’s junior senate seat nomination top both ballots.