Work continues on Old U.S. 40 east of Hays this month, as part of a pavement replacement project that started March 31.

Ellis County Public Works Director Mike Graf said the project deadline is June 15. APAC-Kansas is the contractor for the project, which includes milling existing pavement and placing a new layer of asphalt.

Graf said the project will be done in two phases — first from 280th to Toulon and then from Toulon to Victoria. The county approved the $2.7 million project in November.

During each of the project phases, the road will be closed except to local traffic — those with homes or business in the area.