Work continues on Old U.S. 40 east of Hays this month, as part of a pavement replacement project that started March 31. Crews have moved on to the second phase of the project, which encompasses Toulon Road to Victoria.

Curt Hoffman of Ellis County Public Works said plans are to stripe the first phase of the project — 280th Avenue east to Toulon Road — and reopen that stretch of highway on Friday, weather permitting.

The entire $2.7 million project, approved by the Ellis County Commission in November, is expected to be completed by at least mid-June.