Starting on June 1, weather permitting, the Kansas Department of Transportation will begin work on a chip seal project on a 15-mile portion of U.S. 36 in Smith County beginning at the U.S. 36 and U.S. 281 intersection and ending at the Smith/Jewell County line.

Project work will involve applying a thin layer of asphalt over the roadway, followed by a coating of thin rock chips that are pressed into place with heavy rollers. Traffic in the construction zone will be reduced to one lane and controlled by flaggers and a pilot car during daylight hours. Minor delays, not exceeding 15 minutes, should be expected. KDOT urges all motorists to be alert, obey the warning signs and “Give ‘em a Brake!” when approaching and driving through the work zone. Construction is expected to last approximately 1 week, weather permitting.

Heft & Sons LLC of Greensburg is the primary contractor for the project with a total contract cost of approximately $459,000.