Resurfacing of U.S. Highway 183 north of Hays is scheduled to begin after the July 4 holiday.

During the week of July 6, contractor Venture Corp. of Great Bend will begin milling approximately 14 miles of the highway starting at Hays' north city limit to the county line.

John Riggins, Kansas Department of Transportation Area Three Construction Engineer, said the paving operation should be underway by the end of July.

All phases of the road construction will be taking place under a pilot car operation during daylight hours. Traffic will be reduced to one lane through each work zone, and drivers will need to plan on a short delay.

Work should be complete Nov. 16. Shortly thereafter, the newly completed Saline River Bridge will open.

The estimated cost of the construction, including the new bridge, is $15.7 million.

For more information regarding the project, contact Riggins at (785) 625-9718 or johnr@ksdot.org in Hays, or Kristen Brands, KDOT's northwest Kansas public affairs manager, at (785) 871-2137 or kristenb@ksdot.org in Norton.